Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on July 26 appealed to the devotees to turn up in large numbers at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, which is scheduled to begin from July 3. This year’s yatra will culminate on Shravan Purnima Day which falls on August 9 (Raksha Bandhan).
Addressing a press conference at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, Mr Sinha said that security grid has been strengthened significantly. A multi-layered security apparatus is in place and the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and 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.
Incidentally, the devotees trek for several kilometres to the cave located high in snow-clad mountains to have darshan of naturally formed ice lingam. This lingam, according to the traditional legends, waxes and vanes with different phases of moon.
The LG 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. Movement of the yatris, lodging, electricity, water, sanitation, communication and health of the pilgrims have been worked out in detail. He pointed out that significant achievements were made by SASB in the last two years in creating pilgrims-centric facilities.
After many years, it has been decided that there will be no helicopter services available to the pilgrims for visiting the cave. For over two decades, helicopter services were available from Pahalgam, Baltal and at times even Srinagar for the visiting devotees. Some of the major changes that have been effected this year for the convenience of the devotees are enumerated here point-wise.
1. Wider Yatra tracks: Previously narrow and steep Yatra tracks along both the routes (traditional Pahalgam route as also Baltal axix) have been widened to around 12 feet in most of the stretches.
2. Kalimata stretch, which was previously very narrow and with steep gradient, has been widened to almost 12 feet, with much gentler slope. This stretch was considered very treacherous, sometimes leading to fall of yatris or horses/ponies slipping.
3. Safer Yatra tracks with stronger safety handrails all along whole of Baltal track and 20+ km on vulnerable stretches on the Pahalgam track. On the longer Pahalgam track, walking at many stretches is fairly easy and no handrails are needed for support.
4. 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 This provision of 24×7 electricity makes it much easier and better as handheld torches were a must for the yatra earlier.
5.Grid connectivity on remaining stretch of Pahalgam track is being started. As stated earlier, the Pahalgam track is much longer but arrangements for electricity have been made all around.
6. Enhanced accommodation for pilgrims at SASB’s Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900) and Pantha chowk (1,000) has been created. Additional accommodation is also available in Jammu city, at Chanderkote (in Ramban district) and elsewhere.
7. Digital pre-paid system for hiring of various services like pony, pithu, palki would be available for the pilgrims. This pre-paid system will be immensely useful as complaints of cheating by the service providers will become a thing of the past.
8. At the Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath Ji, 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.
9. Installation of canopy over the stairs at the Holy Cave for the comfort and protection of yatris from rain/ snowfall/ scorching sun.
10. Clinical bed capacity of healthcare facilities at Panjtarni and upper camps has been expanded substantially this year.
11.Integrated Command and Control Centres have been established and deployment of J&K Police and CAPFs Personnel have been increased.
12. Vulnerable spots were identified and dedicated measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
13.At least 100-bedded hospitals are functional at both the Baltal as also Pahalgam axis.
14.Yatri Niwas facilities at Baltal and Pahalgam axis are being developed for the convenience of the devotees.
15. Special focus has been laid on cleanliness and making the yatra more sustainable.
16. Prasad counters have been established at holy cave.
17. Foot over bridge at Nunwan base camp, Cloak rooms, e-rickshaw and other such facilities have been extended for the pilgrims and service providers.
18. Security at Tourist spots have also been enhanced.
The LG also lauded the role of mediapersons 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 only and not in isolation in ones and twos.
Some days ago, Mr Sinha had visited the Holy Cave from the Baltal axis, becoming the first chairman of the SASB to do so. This route is considered more challenging than the traditional Pahalgam route.
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