AMARNATH YATRA 2024: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW

The annual Amarnath Yatra to the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine in south Kashmir commences on June 29 and concludes on August 19. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has implemented extensive measures to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage for the thousands of devotees expected this year.

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Pilgrimage Details and Routes

The Amarnath Shrine, located in a narrow gorge at the far end of the Lidder Valley, stands at an altitude of 3,888 meters, 46 kilometers from Pahalgam and 14 kilometers from Baltal. Pilgrims can choose between the traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter 14 km Baltal route. The Nunwan route typically takes four days to reach the cave shrine, while the Baltal route allows for same-day return.

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Security and Safety Measures

To secure the nearly 300 km long Jammu-Srinagar national highway and the routes to the base camps, hundreds of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed. Additional CAPF teams are stationed along the Srinagar-Baltal and Qazigund-Pahalgam routes. All pilgrims are issued RFID cards for real-time location tracking, and a Rs 5 lakh insurance cover is provided for added security.

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Comprehensive Arrangements

The administration has set up extensive facilities, including registration centers, convoy movements, camping areas, medical services, upgraded tracks, and reliable power and water supplies. Mobile connectivity has been enhanced to ensure continuous communication. A total of 125 community kitchens (Langars), staffed by over 7,000 volunteers, will serve the pilgrims along both routes. Helicopter services are available for both Pahalgam and Baltal routes, offering an alternative means of transportation for the devotees.

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Guidelines for Pilgrims

Do's:

• Pilgrims must collect their RFID cards from designated locations in J&K before starting the journey.
• Wear comfortable clothes and trekking shoes.
• Ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks.
• Contact the nearest medical facility if experiencing discomfort.

Don'ts:

• Do not exert beyond capacity.
• Avoid littering and polluting the environment.
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or consume caffeinated drinks.
• Avoid shortcuts and pay attention to 'danger zone' signages.

Amarnath Yatra 2024: First Batch of Pilgrims

The first batch of pilgrims will leave Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu at 4 a.m. on June 28, in an escorted convoy. They are expected to have 'Darshan' on June 29. The administration has set up transit camps at Manigam in Ganderbal district on the Srinagar-Baltal route and at Mir Bazar on the Qazigund-Pahalgam route. The intake capacity of the Yatri Niwas at Chanderkote and Banihal has been enhanced to 6,000, with provisions to accommodate 25,000 people in case of a landslide.

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Final Arrangements

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary, confirmed the successful dry run of vehicles along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. "The main purpose of the dry run was to assess any shortcoming in security parameters, logistic and other arrangements for the pilgrims en route to ensure their smooth Yatra," Chaudhary stated. The administration has macadamized the riding surface, significantly reducing travel time between Nashri and Banihal.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ramban, Anuj Kumar, emphasized the robust security arrangements: "Foolproof security arrangements are in place in the district with a joint control room to monitor the movement of pilgrim vehicles through 44 CCTV cameras."

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Offline Registration

Offline registration tokens for the Yatra began distribution on June 28. Pilgrims can register at various centers in Jammu, equipped with inquiry counters and waiting halls. "Three registration centers – Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, and Mahajan Hall – will start functioning in Jammu for offline registration from tomorrow," said Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manu Hansa. He added, "Only those pilgrims having tokens issued by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board will be entertained at the registration centers."

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Pilgrims' Sentiments

Pilgrims have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. Vishal from Rajasthan, on his first Yatra, said, "I will seek the blessings of the Lord for the people and my country." Govind Kumar from Meerut, a regular visitor since 2010, noted, "I have always seen the government making the Yatra a better experience for the pilgrims with each passing year." Rakhi Jain from Indore, thrilled about her first Yatra, shared, "I was planning to perform the Yatra for the last five years but today, I got an opportunity and I am very happy about this."

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Medical and Age Restrictions

Medical certificates are available at local hospitals. Pilgrims over 70 years old, children below 13, and women over six weeks pregnant are not permitted to undertake the Yatra. Additional District Magistrate, Jammu, Shishir Gupta, advised, "The pilgrims should reach Bhagwati Nagar only one day in advance before their scheduled departure."

The 52-day pilgrimage will end on August 19, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima festivals. The administration’s comprehensive efforts ensure a safe and fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.

(With inputs from TOI, Agencies)