SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: Reassuring pilgrims of foolproof security arrangements, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said there was a slight dip in registration after the Pahalgam attack, but now it has started picking up again.
“Before April 22, 2,36,801 people had registered for the Yatra. After the recent incident, we witnessed a slight drop. But as of yesterday, more than 85,000 have reconfirmed their participation, and I am hopeful the numbers will rise further in the coming days,” he told reporters at Raj Bhavan today.
He said that last year the Amarnath Yatra witnessed its highest footfall in 12 years, with 5.12 lakh pilgrims attending. The Lieutenant Governor announced that helicopter services have been suspended this year due to safety and security concerns. “Previous years have seen incidents related to helicopters, and safety remains our utmost priority. Since only about eight percent of pilgrims used helicopters, this decision will have minimal impact,” he added.
The LG informed that both the Baltal and Chandanwari–Pahalgam routes have been widened from four–five feet to 12 feet, making the paths safer for pilgrims. “Several vulnerable spots have been secured with cross barriers. Earlier, rains caused serious issues due to narrow pathways, but now the feedback from yatris has been very encouraging,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor said that the security grid has been strengthened, multi-layer security is in place, and the army, CAPFs, and J&K Police have ensured all necessary measures for a safe pilgrimage. All necessary arrangements have been made for the pilgrims.
The Lieutenant Governor said that an atmosphere of spiritual fervour has filled the air at base camps and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has made preparations for all essential facilities, including movement, lodging, electricity, water, sanitation, communication, and health of the pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor pointed out that significant achievements were made by SASB in the last two years in creating pilgrims-centric facilities.
· Wider Yatra tracks: Previously narrow and steep Yatra tracks along both routes have been widened to around 12 feet in most of the stretches.
· Kalimata stretch, which was previously very narrow and with a steep gradient, has been widened to almost 12 feet, with a much gentler slope.
· Safer Yatra tracks with stronger safety handrails all along the whole of the Baltal track and 20+ km on vulnerable stretches on the Pahalgam track.
· Illuminated tracks and Yatra camps: Grid power connectivity along the whole of the Baltal track till the holy cave and from the holy cave to Panjtarni has been achieved.
· Grid connectivity on the remaining stretch of the Pahalgam track is being started.
· Enhanced accommodation for pilgrims at SASB’s Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900), and Pantha Chowk (1000).
· A digital pre-paid system for hiring of various services like pony, pithu, palki would be available for pilgrims.
· At the Holy Cave, the wooden darshan platform has been replaced with a stainless steel platform of appropriate alignment and height with wood flooring and an additional row. Now, pilgrims would be able to have darshans simultaneously in four rows. This shall facilitate better and hassle-free darshans.
· Installation of a Canopy over the stairs at the Holy Cave for the comfort and protection of yatris from rain/ snowfall/ scorching sun.
· Clinical bed capacity of health care facilities at Panjtarni and upper camps has been expanded substantially this year.
· Integrated Command and Control Centres have been established, and deployment of J&K Police and CAPFs Personnel has been increased.
· Vulnerable spots were identified, and dedicated measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
· 100-bedded hospitals are functional on both axis.
· Yatri Niwas at Baltal and Pahalgam axis are being developed for the convenience of the devotees.
· Special focus has been laid on cleanliness and making the yatra more sustainable.
· Prasad counters have been established at the holy cave.
· Foot over bridge at Nunwan base camp, Cloak rooms, e-rickshaw, and other such facilities have been extended for the pilgrims and service providers.
· Security at Tourist spots has also been enhanced.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the role of media persons and the residents of J&K in the smooth and successful conduct of the yatra. He also urged the pilgrims to travel in the designated convoy.