Amarnath Yatra begins in Jammu: Important dates, facilities, security arrangements
Extensive facilities and multi-layered security are in place for the 57-day journey, which concludes on August 28.
Extensive facilities and multi-layered security are in place for the 57-day journey, which concludes on August 28.
Extensive facilities and multi-layered security are in place for the 57-day journey, which concludes on August 28.
The annual Amarnath Yatra to a holy cave at an altitude of 3880 m in the Himalayas has begun. The 57-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine started on Friday morning, simultaneously via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in the Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 28.
Facilities in place
On both routes, authorities have set up facilities including medical camps, resting points, langars (community kitchens), drinking water stations, subsidised ration depots and real-time weather monitoring. Over 70 healthcare facilities, including bedded hospitals, ambulances and oxygen booths, are in place. Tented accommodations have been set up at base camps and halts. Private helicopter services, rental ponies, porters and palanquins are also provided.
Security arrangements
Authorities have put in place multi-layered security arrangements along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and at all transit camps to ensure the safe and smooth movement of the yatra convoys. A multi-tier security setup has been activated in and around the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the annual pilgrimage.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Shridhar Patil reviewed security arrangements, preparedness and coordination among security agencies deployed for the ongoing annual Amarnath yatra in Jammu, officials said. As many as 3,865 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in a cavalcade of 201 vehicles escorted by security personnel and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). On Thursday, the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims was flagged off from Bhagwati Nagar by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Of the total pilgrims, 1,735 were headed for the Baltal base camp in 115 vehicles, while 2,130 pilgrims in 86 vehicles were proceeding to the traditional Pahalgam base camp in the Anantnag district.
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(With PTI inputs)