Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 27- Though there has been a considerable decrease in Amarnath pilgrimage due to heavy rains and cloudbursts in yatra area during last two weeks, 4746 pilgrims performed darshan of Ice Lingam in cave shrine situated in deep Himalayas in South Kashmir district of Anantnag.
With this the annual yatra has touched 3,00,321 since the first batch of pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here on July 1.
According to an official spokesman 738 pilgrims left from Baltal to holy cave by foot while 705 left by chopper. He said 2230 pilgrims left from Nunwan -Pahalgam Base Camp via traditional Chandanwari track.
He said 759 pilgrims returned by chopper after performing darshan at holy cave today. The spokesman said the Srinagar-Baltal road which was washed away due to cloudburst at Fish Point near Sonamarg on July 24 was restored for vehicular traffic.
He said the stranded yatris at Baltal were first allowed to leave for Srinagar after restoration of the road and some yatris at Haripora Kangan also were allowed to leave for Base camp of Baltal today.
The spokesman said the weather on Pahalgam-Nunwan track was pleasant today while it was cloudy on Baltal track.
Meanwhile, Governor N.N. Vohra, who is Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), held a meeting at the Raj Bhavan to review the status of the ongoing Yatra, today which had commenced from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes on July 2.
PK Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer and Jitendra Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Executive Officer of SASB, informed the Governor that following the opening of Sonamarg Baltal road which remained blocked near the Fish Pond Point for the last two days was cleared for traffic from this morning, and vehicles are now plying from both sides.
For expediting full restoration of the parking area as well as the catch-water drain on hillside above Baltal Base Camp, three JCBs have been deployed. The deepening of drain at the breached portions and removal of filled debris from the nallah section is being carried out on priority basis. BRO is also continuing its efforts to further strengthen the road to ensure that the pilgrims do not face any difficulty in movement to reach Baltal Base Camp.
The Governor reiterated his earlier directions to CEO and Addl. CEO to closely monitor the Yatra, ensure effective coordination with all the agencies involved in the conduct of pilgrimage and ensure the safety and security of the Yatris.
A fresh batch of 627 pilgrims left for holy cave from Bhagwati Nagar Jammu base camp early this morning in a cavalcade of 16 vehicles under tight security measures.
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