Pilgrims coming for SASB and for hassle free Darshan at the holy cave: LG
Security is in place and army, CAPFs, J&K Police have ensured all necessary measures for a safe pilgrimage: LG Sinha
Shadow Correspondent
Srinagar, june 26:
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday said there has been a drop of over 10 per cent in pilgrim registration for this year’s Amarnath Yatra in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“The pilgrim registration before the April 22 incident was going on at a good pace but after that the registrations decreased. There was a drop of 10.19 per cent in registration compared to last year,” Sinha told reporters at Raj Bhavan here.
The LG said around 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered for the yatra before the attack took place at Baisaran in Pahalgam area that left 26 persons — mostly tourists — dead.
“The confidence among the pilgrims is returning due to the steps taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Administration and the security forces which has resulted in the registrations picking up again,” he added.
Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has launched a process of seeking reverification from the pilgrims who had registered for the yatra before April 22.
“So far, 85000 pilgrims have reconfirmed their registration. We are hoping that the registrations will pick up in the coming days,” he said.
Asked if the terror attack had affected the Amarnath Yatra this year, Sinha said it had affected the entire Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the valley.
The LG said adequate security arrangements have been put in place for the pilgrimage which will start from July 3 and end on August 9.
“There is a three tier security at the base camps while security forces are carrying out area domination and mock drills to meet any eventuality. More police officials and CAPF personnel have been deployed while verification of all service providers has been completed,” he added.
The LG said he wanted to assure everyone that good security arrangements have been made not only for pilgrims and tourists visiting Kashmir but the local populace as well.
Sinha said while the pilgrims are welcome to travel by their private vehicles, they are requested to move along with the yatra convoy from Bhagwati Nagar base camp for better security.
He said for the comfort of the pilgrims, various steps have been taken over the past three years which includes widening of the track from four feet to 12 feet.
“The vulnerable spots have been secured by barriers…. the narrow tracks were a major cause of discomfort for the pilgrims,” he said.
The LG said the track is now motorable, right up to holy cave, but it would be used only in cases of emergency.
“The pilgrimage will go on as usual as in the past,” he added.
Sinha said the feedback of the pilgrims has been positive and the steps taken by the administration and shrine board have been appreciated.
On the suspension of heliservices during the Amarnath yatra this year, Sinha said the decision was taken in view of various factors including the recent mishaps in other states and security concerns.
“Moreover, only eight per cent pilgrims were using helicopter services for darshan,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today appealed to the devotees to turn up in large numbers at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, which is scheduled to begin from July 3.
Addressing a press conference in Raj Bhawan, Srinagar today, the Lieutenant Governor said that security grid has been strengthened, multi-layer security is in place and army, CAPFs, J&K Police have ensured all necessary measures for a safe pilgrimage. All necessary arrangements have been made for the pilgrims coming for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and for hassle free Darshan at the holy cave.
The Lieutenant Governor said that an atmosphere of spiritual fervour has filled the air at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra base camps and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has made preparations for all essential facilities including movement, lodging, electricity, water, sanitation, communication and health of the pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor pointed out that significant achievements were made by SASB in the last two years in creating pilgrims-centric facilities. Wider Yatra tracks: Previously narrow and steep Yatra tracks along both the routes have been widened to around 12 feet in most of the stretches. Kalimata stretch, which was previously very narrow and with steep gradient, has been widened to almost 12 feet, with much gentler slope. Safer Yatra tracks with stronger safety handrails all along whole of Baltal track and 20+ km on vulnerable stretches on Pahalgam track. Illuminated tracks and Yatra camps: Grid power connectivity along whole of Baltal track till holy cave and from holy cave to Panjtarni has been achieved.
• Grid connectivity on remaining stretch of Pahalgam track is being started.
• Enhanced accommodation for pilgrims at SASB’s Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900) and Pantha chowk (1000).
• Digital pre-paid system for hiring of various services like pony, pithu, palki would be available for pilgrims.
• At the Holy Cave, the wooden darshan platform has been replaced with stainless steel platform of appropriate alignment and height with wood flooring and additional row. Now, pilgrims would be able to have darshans simultaneously in four rows. This shall facilitate better and hassle free darshans.
• Installation of Canopy over the stairs at the Holy Cave for the comfort and protection of yatris from rain/ snowfall/ scorching sun.
• Clinical bed capacity of health care facilities at Panjtarni and upper camps has been expanded substantially this year.
• Integrated Command and Control Centres have been established and deployment of J&K Police and CAPFs Personnel have been increased.
• Vulnerable spots were identified and dedicated measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
• 100-bedded hospitals are functional at both the axis.
• Yatri Niwas at Baltal and Pahalgam axis are being developed for the convenience of the devotees.
• Special focus has been laid on cleanliness and making the yatra more sustainable.
• Prasad counters have been established at holy cave.
• Foot over bridge at Nunwan base camp, Cloak rooms, e-rickshaw and other such facilities have been extended for the pilgrims and service providers.
• Security at Tourist spots have also been enhanced.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the role of media persons and the local residents of J&K in the smooth and successful conduct of the yatra. He also urged the pilgrims to travel in the designated convoy.
