SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday reviewed preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra during an inspection of the Yatra Facilitation Centre at Nowgam Railway Station and the Yatra Transit Camp and Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk, saying all arrangements have been completed to receive pilgrims.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Garg inspected accommodation facilities, separate sanitation arrangements for men and women, drinking water supply, and the functioning of RFID and eKYC counters. He also directed officials to install adequate signage to facilitate the movement of pilgrims across various service and facilitation centres.
Speaking to reporters, Garg said the district administrations of Srinagar and Budgam have put comprehensive arrangements in place to ensure the safe and comfortable stay of pilgrims. He said nearly four lakh pilgrims have registered online for this year’s yatra, marking an increase over the previous year.
The pilgrimage is scheduled to be held from July 3 to August 28. Garg expressed confidence that the number of pilgrims would rise further, citing the increased tourist footfall in Kashmir this year. To manage the expected rush, additional RFID and eKYC counters have been set up at the Nowgam Yatra Facilitation Centre and Srinagar Airport.
He said the yatra would continue under the convoy system from Jammu with security measures in place, adding that convoy cut-off timings have already been publicised for the convenience of pilgrims.
Garg said priority in the issuance of RFID cards would be given to pilgrims who have completed online registration. However, on-the-spot registration facilities have also been established at Pantha Chowk and base camps along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. RFID cards for such pilgrims will be issued subject to the prescribed quota and accommodation availability.
Highlighting the challenging terrain along the pilgrimage routes, he said weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department will be displayed on digital screens at Pantha Chowk and other base camps to keep pilgrims informed.
He added that mountain rescue teams, along with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other security agencies, have been deployed to respond to emergencies during the yatra.
During the inspection, Garg stressed the need for close coordination among all departments and agencies to ensure the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the annual Amarnath Yatra.
