SRINAGAR: Approximately 50,000 pilgrims have visited the holy cave shrine of Amarnath so far as the fifth batch of 6,597 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Tuesday to travel to the Valley, officials reported.
An official informed the news agency KNO that since the yatra commenced on July 1, a total of 49,212 individuals have completed it as of 7:00 pm, including 13,581 who paid their respects at the cave shrine on Tuesday.
They stated that 6,597 pilgrims, comprising 4,975 men, 1,429 women, 160 seers, and 33 children, departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in 253 light and heavy vehicles.
“4,475 pilgrims, headed for Pahalgam, in a convoy of 160 vehicles for the valley, while another convoy of 93 vehicles carrying 2,122 pilgrims was the first to leave for the Baltal base camp,” officials explained.
Foolproof security arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe yatra, the official added.
Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the efforts made by the authorities, stating that cleanliness, sanitation, and the condition of the tracks have improved.
“This is my 30th Amarnath yatra, and for the first time, the tracks leading to the cave are in better condition. As we left early in the morning, it felt like mid-day due to the installed lights along the route. Overall, the facilities are excellent,” said Mitlaish Bhatia, a 59-year-old pilgrim.
Meanwhile, CRPF Director General (DG) Sujoy Lal Thaosen reviewed the security arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu on Tuesday. He visited Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, interacted with the devotees, and obtained their feedback.
“Continuing with his review of security arrangements amidst his visit to Baltal, @sthaosen, DG @crpfindia, accompanied the convoy from Bhagwati Nagar. He saw firsthand the exchange of the convoy at Lamber, Banihal, before proceeding to Qazigund and Mirbazar camps,” CRPF tweeted. The traffic department has issued a detailed travel advisory to facilitate the movement of pilgrim vehicles during designated timings. (KNO)
