By Tehelka Web Desk
Nearly four lakh pilgrims have registered online for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, surpassing last year’s figure, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after reviewing arrangements at Nowgam Railway Station, Garg said all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims during the 57-day pilgrimage, which begins on July 3 and concludes on August 28.
He said weather remains a key challenge because of the difficult terrain, adding that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is issuing weather advisories every three hours. These advisories are being displayed at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps to help pilgrims plan their journey.
Garg said rain shelters have been installed along both Yatra routes, while mountain rescue teams of the SDRF, NDRF and other paramilitary forces have been deployed at designated locations to respond promptly to weather-related emergencies.
The Divisional Commissioner said e-KYC and RFID facilities have been set up at Nowgam Railway Station, Srinagar Airport, Pantha Chowk base camp, and the Baltal and Nunwan base camps. He added that pilgrims who have registered online will be given RFID cards on priority.
He said the convoy system from Jammu will continue under a dedicated security corridor with notified traffic cut-off timings. On-the-spot registration counters have also been established at Pantha Chowk and the Baltal and Nunwan base camps for pilgrims arriving directly in Srinagar, subject to the availability of the daily quota.
Garg said comprehensive security arrangements have been made after a series of review meetings, with special emphasis on convoy movement, base camp security and the safety of pilgrims along the Yatra routes.
He added that the first convoy of pilgrims will be ceremonially flagged off on Thursday morning under full security escort.
According to the Divisional Commissioner, many pilgrims have already reached Srinagar through different modes of transport, and arrangements are in place to facilitate both pre-registered pilgrims and those seeking on-the-spot registration within the available quota.
