SRINAGAR: Acknowledging a dip in registrations for Amarnath Yatra following the Pahalgam terror attack , Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha on Thursday assured full security for the yatra, which is set to begin on July 3, and appealed to devotees to participate in large numbers.
At a press conference at Raj Bhawan, Sinha said there had been a 10.19% decline in pilgrim registrations compared to last year, attributing the drop to the Pahalgam massacre. He said before the attack, the pace of registration was encouraging, with around 2.36 lakh pilgrims signing up for the yatra, which concludes on Aug 9.
The LG said the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) had launched a re-verification programme for pilgrims who had registered before the April 22 Pahalgam attack. “So far 85,000 pilgrims have reconfirmed their registration after consultation with SASB,” he said, and hoped the numbers would go up in the coming days.
Sinha unveiled the security plan, reassuring devotees about safety, and also gave the details of the upgraded infrastructure along the routes to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
He said a multi-layered security grid had been put in place, with increased deployment of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and J&K Police. “Integrated command and control centres have been set up, and vulnerable spots have been identified for focused security measures,” he said. He advised the pilgrims to move in the designated convoys for safety reasons. Even those coming in their own vehicles were advised to move in convoys, he maintained.
Several new initiatives had been introduced, including a comprehensive insurance scheme covering not just the yatris, but also ponywallas and other service providers, the LG said. However, helicopter service had been suspended this year due to recent chopper accidents and security concerns, he revealed. He added that this would not affect the overall flow of the yatra as only a small percentage of pilgrims used the helicopter service.
Sinha said SASB had developed several pilgrim-centric amenities over the past two years, including widening of both the yatra routes to around 12ft along most stretches. Safer yatra tracks have been prepared with stronger safety handrails all along the Baltal track and over 20 km on vulnerable stretches on the Pahalgam track. He said the tracks and camps would have power connectivity till the holy cave and from there to Panjtarni.
There will be enhanced accommodation for pilgrims at SASB’s Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900) and Pantha chowk (1000). “Digital pre-paid systems for hiring of various services like pony, pithu and palki will be available for pilgrims,” he added.
At the holy cave, the wooden darshan platform has been replaced with a stainless steel platform with wood flooring. “Now, pilgrims would be able to have darshans simultaneously in four rows. This shall facilitate better and hassle-free darshans,” he added.
Responding to a query whether he will allow the elected govt to have a say in the yatra’s administrative affairs, the LG said he would be holding a separate meeting with chief minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the matter.
He said people of Kashmir had always welcomed Amarnath yatris with warmth and unparalleled hospitality. “There is no alternative to the Kashmiri spirit of welcome. Let us continue this tradition and ensure the yatra is safe, peaceful and successful for all,” he added.
At a press conference at Raj Bhawan, Sinha said there had been a 10.19% decline in pilgrim registrations compared to last year, attributing the drop to the Pahalgam massacre. He said before the attack, the pace of registration was encouraging, with around 2.36 lakh pilgrims signing up for the yatra, which concludes on Aug 9.
The LG said the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) had launched a re-verification programme for pilgrims who had registered before the April 22 Pahalgam attack. “So far 85,000 pilgrims have reconfirmed their registration after consultation with SASB,” he said, and hoped the numbers would go up in the coming days.
Sinha unveiled the security plan, reassuring devotees about safety, and also gave the details of the upgraded infrastructure along the routes to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage.
He said a multi-layered security grid had been put in place, with increased deployment of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and J&K Police. “Integrated command and control centres have been set up, and vulnerable spots have been identified for focused security measures,” he said. He advised the pilgrims to move in the designated convoys for safety reasons. Even those coming in their own vehicles were advised to move in convoys, he maintained.
Several new initiatives had been introduced, including a comprehensive insurance scheme covering not just the yatris, but also ponywallas and other service providers, the LG said. However, helicopter service had been suspended this year due to recent chopper accidents and security concerns, he revealed. He added that this would not affect the overall flow of the yatra as only a small percentage of pilgrims used the helicopter service.
Sinha said SASB had developed several pilgrim-centric amenities over the past two years, including widening of both the yatra routes to around 12ft along most stretches. Safer yatra tracks have been prepared with stronger safety handrails all along the Baltal track and over 20 km on vulnerable stretches on the Pahalgam track. He said the tracks and camps would have power connectivity till the holy cave and from there to Panjtarni.
There will be enhanced accommodation for pilgrims at SASB’s Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900) and Pantha chowk (1000). “Digital pre-paid systems for hiring of various services like pony, pithu and palki will be available for pilgrims,” he added.
At the holy cave, the wooden darshan platform has been replaced with a stainless steel platform with wood flooring. “Now, pilgrims would be able to have darshans simultaneously in four rows. This shall facilitate better and hassle-free darshans,” he added.
Responding to a query whether he will allow the elected govt to have a say in the yatra’s administrative affairs, the LG said he would be holding a separate meeting with chief minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the matter.
He said people of Kashmir had always welcomed Amarnath yatris with warmth and unparalleled hospitality. “There is no alternative to the Kashmiri spirit of welcome. Let us continue this tradition and ensure the yatra is safe, peaceful and successful for all,” he added.
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