Srinagar, Jul 03 (KNO): Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir Anshul Garg on Friday said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is being conducted strictly in accordance with the Supreme Court-mandated carrying capacity of the track, with pre-registered pilgrims being given priority, while a token system has been introduced for those arriving without prior registration.
Addressing reporters at Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, the Div Com, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that pilgrims who have completed online registration, eKYC and possess RFID cards are being allowed to proceed first. Those reaching through the Jammu convoy after completing RFID registration are also being accorded priority.
"The remaining daily quota is being utilised for on-the-spot registration," Garg said.
In view of the heavy rush of pilgrims, the Anantnag district administration has introduced a token system to allot slots for the next few days, enabling pilgrims to report on their designated date instead of waiting at the base camp every day.
The Div Com said elaborate arrangements, including accommodation, community kitchens (langars) and security, have been put in place at the base camp and transit locations to ensure that pilgrims do not face inconvenience.
Appealing for patience and cooperation, he said the administration is making every effort to facilitate the maximum number of pilgrims within the prescribed carrying capacity of the route.
"The quota for on-the-spot registration is likely to increase in the coming days, depending on the number of pre-registered pilgrims reporting for the Yatra," he said. "Yesterday, around 1,000 pilgrims were registered on the spot, while today nearly 2,000 are being accommodated. The number may increase further in the coming days."
Garg said the registration process has been open across the country since March and has remained streamlined over the years. However, some people may not have been aware of the process, while others who arrived in Kashmir as tourists later decided to undertake the pilgrimage.
He said the administration has enhanced the capacity of transit camps across Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora and Anantnag, with accommodation arrangements for nearly 80,000 pilgrims.
Reiterating the administration's commitment, the Divisional Commissioner said every effort is being made to ensure that all pilgrims undertake the Yatra safely and have smooth darshan of Baba Barfani while adhering to the prescribed carrying capacity—(KNO)