‘Adequate measures’ in place for safety of Amarnath Yatris

Srinagar, June 29: As the 52-day long Amarnath Yatra began on Saturday, authorities have taken adequate safety measures for the pilgrims this year.
The Amarnath Yatra started on June 29 and will culminate on Raksha Bandhan on August 19.

Situated in a narrow gorge at the far end of Lidder Valley in south Kashmir, the Amarnath cave shrine stands at 3,888 meters, 46 km from Pahalgam and 14 km from Baltal route in Sonamarg.
Authorities have taken adequate measures for the safety and security of Yatris.
A senior official of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said they have marked the disaster-prone areas along the route to the Holy Cave and are not allowing any construction of establishments like tents and shops in those areas for the safety of people.
“We are following the Supreme Court directions passed in this regard in letter and spirit and have focused more on the stabilization of slopes in vulnerable stretches, construction of footbridges along the yatra track, repairing of safety fencing, and removal of slips for the safety and ease of pilgrims,” he said.
There are many places along the route to the Cave that are vulnerable to disasters like flash floods or avalanches.
There are thousands of tents being installed for the night stay of Yatris and also shops for purchases. Most of these are run by local Kashmiris who are making their earnings.
“The spot where the unfortunate incident in 2022 took place, no one is allowed to erect tents, shops, Langars, and toilets at that place. Yatris are allowed in secure and safe places,” a senior J&K government official said.
The SASB has asked pilgrims to prepare for the Yatra by achieving a high level of physical fitness.
“You are advised to start at least a month prior to the Yatra, with at least a 4-5 kilometre morning and evening walk. For improving the oxygen efficiency of your body, you should start doing deep breathing exercises and yoga, particularly Pranayam,” the advisory said.
Yatris have been advised to go for morning walks, do breathing exercises, keep their warm clothes and food items, and keep themselves hydrated.
The SASB has advised devotees to carry sufficient woolen clothing as the temperature may sometimes abruptly fall below 5 degrees Celsius and that all Yatris should wear RFID cards at all times during the Yatra. “Do strictly follow the instructions issued by the Yatra Administration. The gates at Domel and Chandanwari open at 05.00 am and close at 11.00 am. Reach gates on time,” the pilgrims have been advised.