500 satellite phones to be used for communication
Srinagar Apr 3: Authorities have decided to take various measures for the annual Amarnath Yatra 2024, including designating vulnerable areas as ‘no-stay zones’ for Yatris and using over 500 satellite phones for communication.
The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine, situated at a height of 3,880 meters, is expected to commence in the first week of July.
To ensure the safety of Yatris, authorities have decided to implement various measures.
A senior official said that a hassle-free pilgrimage is the government’s top priority.
“Officials have been instructed to provide best-in-class healthcare and other essential facilities to all visiting devotees and service providers,” the official stated.
Over 500 satellite phones will be utilized for communication during the annual Amarnath Yatra 2024.
Stringent security measures, including the tagging of vehicles and Yatris with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), will also be enforced.
“This will aid in tracking the precise location of the vehicles, as the CRPF and other forces, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, will escort the Yatris to the base camp from where the trek to the holy shrine commences,” the official added.
Similarly, authorities have instructed all government departments, including the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), to prepare well in advance for the successful conduct of the Yatra this year.
The government has decided to mark disaster-prone areas along the route to the Holy Cave and prohibit the construction of establishments such as tents and shops in those areas for the safety of people.
Officials have been directed to adhere to the Supreme Court directives in this regard and focus on stabilizing slopes in vulnerable stretches, constructing footbridges along the Yatra track, repairing safety fencing, and removing slips for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
Numerous locations along the route to the Cave are vulnerable to disasters such as flash floods or avalanches.
Thousands of tents are being installed for the night stay of Yatris, as well as shops for purchases, most of which are operated by local Kashmiris who depend on this for their livelihoods.
“No tents, shops, Langars, or toilets will be allowed to be erected at the spot where the unfortunate incident of 2022 occurred. Yatris will only be allowed in places that are secure and safe,” the official added.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo recently conducted a detailed review of the preparations being made by the administration for the smooth conduct of the annual AmarnathJi Yatra 2024.
He assessed the status of works such as widening walking tracks and passages and installing railings and retaining walls as per the directives of the Supreme Court.
