Srinagar, July 01 (KNO): Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Wednesday reviewed the arrangements at Nowgam Railway Station for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, saying all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims.
Speaking to media persons here, Garg, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that weather remains a natural challenge due to the difficult terrain of the Yatra. He said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is issuing weather advisories every three hours, which are being displayed at Baltal and Nunwan base camps to help pilgrims plan their journey accordingly.
"Rain shelters have been installed along both Yatra routes, while mountain rescue teams of the SDRF, NDRF and other paramilitary forces have been deployed at designated locations on the tracks with clearly defined jurisdictions to ensure prompt response to any weather-related emergency," Garg said.
The Divisional Commissioner said nearly four lakh pilgrims have already registered online, surpassing last year's figure.
He said the 57-day Yatra, commencing on July 3 and concluding on August 28, is expected to witness a higher footfall.
To facilitate pilgrims, the Div Com said e-KYC and RFID facilities have been established at Nowgam Railway Station in addition to Srinagar Airport, Pantha Chowk base camp and both Baltal and Nunwan base camps. He added that online-registered pilgrims will be issued RFID cards on priority.
Garg said the convoy system from Jammu will continue under a dedicated security corridor with notified traffic cut-off timings. Besides, on-the-spot registration counters have been set up at Pantha Chowk and both base camps for pilgrims arriving directly in Srinagar, subject to the availability of the daily quota.
"Comprehensive security arrangements have been made following a series of review meetings, with special focus on convoy movement, base camp security and safety along the pilgrimage routes," he said.
The Divisional Commissioner added that the ceremonial flagging off of the first convoy will take place on Thursday morning under full security escort. "Many pilgrims have already reached Srinagar through different modes of transport, while arrangements have been put in place to facilitate both pre-registered pilgrims and those seeking on-the-spot registration as per the available quota," he said— (KNO)