SRINAGAR: Umang Narula, the Chief Executive Officer of Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), gave away cheques valuing Rs 22.50 lakh to 75 ponywallahs for the loss of their horses / ponies in accidental deaths during the Amarnath Yatra 2017. The pony owners were awarded compensation at Rs.30, 000 for each pony / horse killed accidentally.

Since  2010  insurance cover to ponies killed in accidents, compensation valuing about Rs 1.92  Crore has been disbursed  in 626  accident cases

Umang Narula interacted with the claimants and lauded their cooperation and contribution in facilitating the Yatris and making the annual Amarnath Yatra a successful event every year. He observed that ponywallahs are an important part of the pilgrimage and that on the directions of Governor, it has been ensured that the insurance claims’ payable to the ponywallahs are settled without any delay whatsoever. He further observed that ever since the Shrine Board decided in 2010 to provide insurance cover to ponies killed in accidents, compensation valuing about Rs 1.92  Crore has been disbursed  in 626  accident cases so far.

In 2017, Umang Narula said 2,60,003 Yatris paid obeisance at the Cave shrine. This year, 8924 ponies / horses were registered by the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department for the use of pilgrims. Besides, 4188 Pithoos, 5372 dandiwallas and 7166 ponywallahs were registered by the Labour and Employment Department for providing services during this year’s Yatra.

CEO further informed that the Shrine Board has since 2010 been providing Group Insurance of one lakh rupees to all registered Yatris and Serivce Providers against death resulting from any kind of accident, natural or man-made, during the period commencing one month ahead of the Yatra till one week beyond the date of conclusion of the Yatra. This Group Insurance Cover was further enhanced to Rs three lakhs from Yatra 2017.

In 2010, an insurance cover of Rs. 20,000 was provided  to the registered ponies against death resulting from any kind of accident, natural or man-made. The Insurance cover for ponies was enhanced to Rs 25,000 in 2011 and further increased to Rs 30,000 from Yatra 2013 onwards.

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