Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 9 reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra at a high-level meeting in the national capital, directing to ensure adequate security arrangements to make a comfortable pilgrimage for the pilgrims.
Pointing out that it is the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government that Amarnath pilgrims should have “comfortable darshan and should not face any difficulty”, Amit Shah directed the officials concerned to make adequate security arrangements on the entire route of 62 days long Amarnath Yatra, which will commence on July 1 and culminate on August 31. Amit Shah also stressed the need for smooth arrangements on the route “from the airport and railway station to the yatra base camp, and directed to provide air service from Srinagar and Jammu at night for the convenience of the pilgrims”.
The Home Minister later directed to ensure adequate stock of oxygen cylinders and their refilling and also asked for the availability of additional teams of doctors.
He further directed for an adequate number of medical beds and the deployment of ambulances and helicopters to meet any medical emergency.
Amit Shah directed the provision of all necessary amenities for Amarnath Yatris, including travel, stay, electricity, water, communication and health.
He also directed to ensure a better communication system on the Yatra route and the deployment of machines to immediately open the route in the event of a landslide.
During the meeting, he apprised officials that all the pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra would be given RFID cards so that their real-time location can be traced.
“The insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh for each Amarnath Yatri and Rs 50,000 for each animal will be ensured. Apart from this, arrangements for tent city, Wi-Fi hotspots and proper lighting will be made on the travel route,” read a Home Ministry statement.
“Additionally, Online- live Darshan of Baba Barfani, live telecast of morning and evening aarti in holy Amarnath cave and religious and cultural programs will be organized at the base camp,” the statement added.
The meeting was attended by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau, Director General of Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force, Director General of Border Roads Organisation, Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir, other senior officials of Army, Central Government and Jammu & Kashmir administration.
Earlier on June 3, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the “Pratham Pooja” of Shri Amarnath through video conferencing and informed that the pilgrimage will start from July 1.
Earlier on May 26, Deputy Commissioner of Samba, Abhishek Sharma, reviewed the plan formulated for security arrangements while chairing a meeting to discuss and assess the preparations for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra.
The 62-day yatra, which commences on July 1 and culminates on August 31, is an important pilgrimage for Hindus who visit the Amarnath Cave, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
The administration has assured a smooth and hassle-free yatra for all devotees, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stating that the Government’s top priority is to provide the best healthcare and essential facilities to visitors and service providers.
The yatra would commence simultaneously from both the Pahalgam track in the Anantnag district and Baltal in the Ganderbal district, giving devotees the option to choose the route that suits them best.
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has also enabled live telecasts of morning and evening prayers for devotees across the world.
The annual Amarnath Yatra is a significant event in the Hindu calendar and attracts thousands of devotees every year.
With the Government’s assurance of a hassle-free yatra, devotees can look forward to a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey to the Amarnath Cave.
