Third batch of 6,411 yatris from Jammu reaches base camps
Jammu Tawi, Jul 4: Amid multi-layer security cover and tight vigil in two days more than 26000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine, officials told on Friday.
According to official data, 14,515 pilgrims visited the holy cave shrine till 7 PM on Friday. The breakdown includes 11,440 males, 2,426 females, 91 children, 221 sadhus, 9 transgender devotees, and 328 personnel from the security forces. On Thursday, 12,348 pilgrims had visited the shrine, taking the total footfall to 26,863 over two days.
Meanwhile, the third batch of 6,411 pilgrims, which departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early Friday, has reached the twin base camps of Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan in Pahalgam, Anantnag.
The batch travelled in 291 vehicles, including 130 buses, 46 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 113 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and 2 two-wheelers, all moving under a strict multi-layer security cover, the officials said, adding that the third batch included 4,723 males, 1,071 females, 37 children, 487 sadhus, and 93 sadhvis. Of them, 2,789 pilgrims headed for Baltal, while 3,622 chose the Pahalgam route.
Pertinently, over 350,000 pilgrims have already registered online for this year’s pilgrimage. To accommodate the influx of devotees, 34 lodging centres have been established across Jammu.
Pilgrims are being issued Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags for tracking and safety. Additionally, 12 counters have been set up to facilitate on-the-spot registration.
The 38-day-long Yatra, which commenced on July 3, will culminate on August 9.
Amarnath Yatra a symbol of unity: LG
Inaugurates Yatri Niwas at Baltal Base Camp
Srinagar, Jul 4: Describing the Amarnath Yatra as a symbol of unity and brotherhood, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that till now 20,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine, nestled in Himalayas, and their number is swelling.
After inaugurating the Yatri Niwas at Baltal base camp that will accommodate 800 yatris, LG Sinha, while talking to reporters said, “More than 20,000 devotees have had darshan of Baba Amarnath so far. They are coming from different parts of the country. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are welcoming them with an open heart. The UT administration, the Government of India, and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board have expanded services to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey for all.”
He said, “Pilgrims arriving earlier than stipulated date will be accommodated, however advised them to wait since those devotees who had prior registration would be given priority.”
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the coordinated efforts of the administration, security forces, Shrine Board, and local residents. “This yatra is a reflection of the collective will and spirit of service. While the administration and security forces manage the logistics and safety, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially locals play a vital role by supporting the pilgrims selflessly,” LG Sinha said.
Earlier the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated a newly constructed Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal. The facility, built under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of ONGC, will provide safe and comfortable accommodation to 800 pilgrims, alongside a dedicated registration and security block.
The LG underlined that providing safe and adequate accommodation to all pilgrims is a top priority for the administration. He praised ONGC for contributing to the yatra through its CSR efforts, which, he said, complement the government’s initiatives to improve facilities and infrastructure for devotees.
The inauguration at Baltal follows a series of similar developments in recent years aimed at enhancing facilities for pilgrims.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed his heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi and Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, for their kind support to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
He also thanked the ONGC for taking up the work for establishing Yatri Niwas at Sidhra Jammu, Baltal, Nunwan and Bijbehara at a cost of Rs 240 crore under Corporate Social Responsibility.
“Safe and adequate accommodation to all the devotees is our top priority. We are creating better facilities for the pilgrims, while securing the livelihood of local people and service providers. At present, the work of Yatri Niwas at Sidhra, Nunwan Phase-I and Bijbehara is going on. Yatri Niwas at Nunwan is expected to be completed before the month of October this year,” LG Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved several developmental landmarks in recent years, adding that the peaceful and seamless conduct of the Amarnath Yatra is yet another example of the UT’s growing capabilities and collective resolve.
During his visit to Baltal Base camp, the Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the service providers and devotees of Baba Barfani and extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims for a safe pilgrimage.
