Amarnath Yatra will start next month: Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision in high-level meeting, anti-sabotage teams will provide security
Jammu. Administrative and police officials reviewed the preparations and security arrangements in view of the annual Amarnath Yatra starting next month. This year, the 57-day Amarnath pilgrimage will begin on July 3 via two routes, the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. This pilgrimage will end on August 28 on the full moon day of Shravan month i.e. Raksha Bandhan.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bhim Sen Tuti visited the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and reviewed the preparations including registration counters, RFID centres, accommodation, sanitation, healthcare and security, officials said. Kumar said all necessary arrangements were being made at Bhagwati Nagar, which serves as the main base camp for pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage.
He said, “The purpose of this inspection was to review the preparations at the ground level and finalize the arrangements. A thorough inspection of the registration facilities, RFID services, health infrastructure and sanitation arrangements was carried out.” The Divisional Commissioner said discussions were held with the concerned departments to ensure timely completion of all the work and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
The IGP reviewed the deployment plan of the security forces and stressed on proper lighting arrangements at all the stay centers and strict adherence to the scheduled travel time. Tuti reviewed the security related preparedness in Kathua and Samba districts and directed the officials to maintain maximum vigilance on the yatra route and strengthen surveillance measures.
The Inspector General of Police inspected the base camp, pilgrim accommodation center and visitor reception facilities at Lakhanpur, as well as reviewed security deployment, CCTV surveillance, access control system, frisking arrangements, traffic management and facilities available to the pilgrims. Subsequently, a security review meeting was held at District Police Lines, Kathua where Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohita Sharma briefed the officials about surveillance measures, convoy management, deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRT) and emergency response plans.
The IGP stressed on strict adherence to security protocols and professional behavior with the pilgrims. Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range DIG Shridhar Patil directed the officers to regularly inspect the langar and residence centers and keep a strict vigil on the suspicious elements.
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