Amarnath Yatra 2024 | Preparations underway for smooth conduct of  pilgrimage

Ganderbal, May 28:  The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and the Jammu and Kashmir administration have geared up for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra-2024 scheduled to commence on June 29.

The yatra to the 12,700-feet Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir will commence on June 29 and conclude on August 19.

The annual yatra takes place from the twin tracks - the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district. This yatra attracts tens of thousands of devotees from far and wide who come to pay their respect to lord Shiva’s naturally formed ice-stalagmite within the cave shrine.

The yatra would span 50 days, starting on June 29 and concluding on August 19. The management of the Amarnath cave shrine is entrusted to the SASB.

The J&K administration has already started preparation for the smooth conduct of the yatra.

Officials said best practices from Amarnath Yatra-2023 would be emulated this year. They said all aspects, including security, logistical support, and facilities for yatris were being meticulously organised.

Officials said that the Labour Department has also commenced the registration of local workers who would provide essential services for this year’s Amarnath Yatra.

They said that the Health Department would establish six base hospitals including two 100-bedded hospitals each at Baltal and Chandanwari.

Officials said that a total of 55 medical centres would be set up, including 100-bedded base hospitals at Baltal and Chandanwari, 11 medical aid centres, 12 emergency aid centres, 26 oxygen booths, and 15 on-route facilities.

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has almost completed the snow clearance work on the Baltal Domail track and further development of the track is underway.

Officials said that all the security measures were being implemented to ensure a peaceful yatra.

Meanwhile, in a concerted effort to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra via the Baltal route, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir visited Baltal and convened a comprehensive meeting with key officers. During the meeting, an in-depth discussion was held regarding the progress of works in various departments including Jal Shakti, KPDCL, I&FC, and RDD.

The meeting was attended by SSP Ganderbal, Sandeep Gupta; ADDC Ganderbal, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani; SDM Kangan, executive engineers of various engineering wings, and other district and sectoral officers.

The concerned departments briefed the DC on the status of ongoing works and assured the timely completion of all tasks.

The DC emphasised the importance of completing essential works on a war footing basis, including repairing damaged water pipelines, power cabling, toilet facilities, fencing of the pony stand, flood protection works, and parking areas.

He issued clear instructions to the department heads to ensure that all preparations were completed within fixed timelines, guaranteeing the provision of the best possible services to the yatris.

Earlier, the DC, accompanied by the SSP Ganderbal and other officers, conducted an inspection of the yatra track from Domail to the cave shrine.

He provided necessary instructions to the BRO’s Project Beacon authorities for the timely completion of all related works, including the development of the track, railing and wire meshing, snow clearance, protection works, illumination of the track, and other essential tasks.