Amarnath Yatra: The first batch of pilgrims on Saturday started their journey from Baltal base camp in Jammu Kashmir’s Ganderbal to Amarnath Cave. With this the annual Amarnath Yatra began.
Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Shyambir, along with senior officials of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and the police at the Baltal base camp showed the green signal to the pilgrims for the yatra.
12-km journey to the holy Amarnath cave shrine
Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal said, “Today we are sending off the first batch of passengers from here. I wish everyone a happy journey. Passengers are requested to take advantage of all the facilities available to them. Right now there are around 7,000 to 8,000 passengers. Registration is still going on. Our volunteers are everywhere to help,” Shyambir.”
The 62-day pilgrimage will culminate on August 31.
The devotees will cover a 12-km journey from the base camp to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas located at an altitude of about 13,000 feet.
First batch of pilgrims at Baltal base camp
The first batch of pilgrims reached Baltal base camp in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal on Friday for Amarnath Yatra 2023. The district administration at Kali Mata Temple at Tikri in Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir welcomed the pilgrims.
Several ‘langar’ committees have started their practice on Wednesday, three days in advance, to cater to the pilgrims in preparation for the Yatra.
The committees prepared sheds, cooking resources, and other raw materials on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district.
22 langars arrangements
A total of 22 langars have been established this year at various points of the highway (NHW-44). Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed arrangements put in place for the pilgrims of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
Chairman of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, on Thursday took stock of security, health facilities, food and lodging of the pilgrims, functioning of the Joint Control Room, registration counters, langer stalls, power and water supply, sanitation, transportation, installation of mobile toilets, fire tenders, emergency services and deployment of health and sanitation staff.
Essential services
The Lt Governor directed the officials to increase the manpower for health, sanitation and other essential services. He welcomed pilgrims from across the country who have arrived at Yatri Niwas for Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage. During the interaction, the Lt Governor also enquired about the facilities.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu informed the Lt Governor that the holding capacity of pilgrims at Samba and Kathua has been increased from the last year and additional buses have been stationed at the key locations of pilgrimage.
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