‘No copter services this year’
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, June 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that adequate security arrangements have been put in place for the Amarnath pilgrimage which will start from July 3.
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“There is a three-tier security at the base camps while security forces are carrying out area domination and mock drills to meet any eventuality. More police officials and CAPF personnel have been deployed while verification of all service providers has been completed,” Sinha told reporters at Raj Bhavan here.
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The LG said that good security arrangements have been made not only for pilgrims and tourists visiting Kashmir but the local populace as well.
Sinha said while the pilgrims are welcome to travel by their private vehicles, they are requested to move along with the yatra convoy from Bhagwati Nagar base camp for better security.
The LG said that there has been a drop of over 10 per cent in pilgrim registration for this year’s Amarnath yatra in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“The pilgrim registration before the April 22 incident was going on at a good pace but after that the registrations decreased. There was a drop of 10.19 per cent in registration compared to last year,” he said.
The LG said around 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered for the yatra before the attack took place at Baisaran in Pahalgam.
“The confidence among the pilgrims is returning due to the steps taken by the Administration and the security forces which has resulted in the registrations picking up again,” he added.
Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has launched a process of seeking reverification from the pilgrims who had registered for the yatra before April 22.
“So far, 85000 pilgrims have reconfirmed their registration. We are hoping that the registrations will pick up in the coming days,” he said.
Asked if the terror attack had affected the Amarnath Yatra this year, Sinha said it had affected the entire Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Valley.
The LG said for the comfort of the pilgrims, various steps have been taken over the past three years which include widening of the track from four feet to 12 feet.
“The vulnerable spots have been secured by barriers…. the narrow tracks were a major cause of discomfort for the pilgrims,” he said.
Sinha said the track is now motorable, right up to holy cave, but it would be used only in cases of emergency. “The pilgrimage will go on as usual as in the past,” he added.
The LG said the feedback of the pilgrims has been positive and the steps taken by the administration and Shrine board have been appreciated.
On the suspension of heli-services during the Amarnath yatra this year, Sinha said the decision was taken in view of various factors including the recent mishaps in other States and security concerns.
“Moreover, only eight per cent pilgrims were using helicopter services for darshan,” he said.
The LG pointed out that significant achievements were made by SASB in the last two years in creating pilgrims-centric facilities.
“Previously narrow and steep yatra tracks along both the routes have been widened to around 12 feet in most of the stretches.
“Kalimata stretch, which was previously very narrow and with steep gradient, has been widened to almost 12 feet, with much gentler slope.
“Safer Yatra tracks with stronger safety handrails all along whole of Baltal track and 20+ km on vulnerable stretches on Pahalgam track.
“Illuminated tracks and yatra camps: Grid power connectivity along whole of Baltal track till holy cave and from holy cave to Panjtarni has been achieved. Grid connectivity on remaining stretch of Pahalgam track is being started.
“Enhanced accommodation for pilgrims at SASB’s Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900) and Pantha chowk (1000).
“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 stainless steel platform of appropriate alignment and height with wood flooring and additional row. Now, pilgrims would be able to have darshans simultaneously in four rows. This shall facilitate better and hassle free darshans.
“Installation of 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 have been increased.
“Vulnerable spots were identified and dedicated measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.
“100-bedded hospitals are functional at both the 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 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 have also been enhanced”, he said.
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