STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: The 40 days long annual ‘Yatra’ to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir Himalayas will commence on 29th June, the shrine board said on Monday.
This year’s Yatra will be shorter by eight days against last year’s 48 days.
“To safeguard the safety and security of pilgrims, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has decided that the Yatra will start on 29th June and conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on 7th August,” an official spokesman said here. Governor and Chairman of SASB N N Vohra presided over the 32nd meeting of the shrine board held in New Delhi.
The Board has directed its CEO to arrange a special Puja at Chandanwari on Jyeshth Purnima on 9th June to invoke blessings of Lord Shiva for safety of pilgrims
It said pilgrims will be allowed to register date-wise and route-wise for this year’s Yatra considering the existing tracks and available infrastructure can handle 7,500 Yatris, each day.
The CEO has taken steps for registration of pilgrims through 433 bank branches and has put out advertisements to advise those coming to the shrine to get their compulsory health certificates.
Advanced registration for the journey will start on 1st March, the spokesman said, adding the CEO will take steps to ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity in the Yatra area.
The Board has asked all pilgrims to take precautions for the harsh climate and terrain on the route to the shrine.
It has reviewed the 2017 Yatra Action Plan, including arrangements for medical care, installation of railings and disposal of garbage in a scientific manner.
