SRINAGAR: Nearly 29 CCTV cameras will be installed in and around the main base camp for Amarnath pilgrims in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir, said an official on Monday.
The base camp, called Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar, serves as the starting point for pilgrims before they travel to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is located at an altitude of 3,880 meters.
The pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 1, and the Yatri Niwas will have approximately 29 CCTV cameras placed in strategic locations. Additionally, there will be two large 360-degree cameras to monitor the area continuously. The site will also have four body scanners for enhanced security.
Furthermore, the Yatri Niwas in Jammu’s Bhagwatinagar area will have fire hydrant systems installed in all the buildings, along with air-conditioned community kitchen halls for the first time. The authorities are currently working diligently to repair, renovate, and enhance the base camp to ensure its readiness before June 20.
An officer provided an update, saying, “The repair and renovation work at Yatri Niwas is progressing smoothly and at a fast pace. We expect the facility to be ready by June 20.” He added that the base camp will now have improved facilities, including air-conditioned eating halls with six air conditioners each, to provide better comfort to the pilgrims. The installation of close-circuited fire hydrant systems has also been completed.
The first batch of pilgrims is expected to depart from the Jammu base camp one day prior to the start of the yatra on July 1.
