Ganderbal Administration starts preparations for Amarnath yatra

Ganderbal, Mar 31: The administration has started preparation for the upcoming annual Shri Amarnath Yatra-2024 , which is likely to commence from June end.

No official announcement of the annual yatra hasn't been made by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) yet. During the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, the holy cave is approached by pilgrims either through the 46-km-long traditional Pahalagam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Panchtarni trek or through the 14-km-long Baltal-Dumail trek via Ganderbal.

Anticipated to commence at the end of June and spanning nearly two months, the Amarnath Yatra draws lakhs of devotees from across the country for the annual pilgrimage.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir chaired a meeting to discuss the issues pertaining to road safety and infrastructure advancement along the Shri Amarnathji Yatra route via Baltal. The meeting delved into pivotal agenda items, culminating in strategic decisions aimed at fortifying road conditions and safeguarding commuters. A pivotal focal point of the meeting revolved around the formulation of an exhaustive blueprint for expediting the completion of the route, road intersection. Stressing the urgency of prompt action, the DC set a deadline of April 3 for the submission of the plan.

Officials said while addressing apprehensions regarding road safety, deliberations ensued regarding the installation of crash barriers and safety illumination, particularly along SSG Road. The significance of these installations in averting accidents and augmenting visibility was underscored, aligning with established standards observed on other segments of the National Highway. Meeting also discussed the dilapidated state of specific road stretches, notably from Hung Park to Shutkari.

The concerned stakeholders were tasked with taking requisite measures to ameliorate road infrastructure in these areas, ensuring smoother and safer passage for travelers. Moreover, strategies were delineated to mitigate pollution stemming from the transportation of construction materials. Additionally, provisions were made to enrich amenities for tourists, encompassing the optimal utilization of parking facilities and identification of designated drop-off points to forestall road encroachments. DC directed the concerned authorities to prioritize road safety and infrastructure augmentation to enhance the well-being and convenience of residents and travelers alike.