Amarnath Yatra 2024

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Another Group of Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Sets Off from Panthachowk Srinagar Base Camp

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Another batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims started their journey from the Panthachowk Srinagar base camp on Thursday under heightened security measures.
The pilgrims are heading along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

The annual yatra, which lasts for 45 days, is a major concern for the government amid the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The annual pilgrimage (Amarnath Yatra) is conducted by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.

The devotees of Lord Shiva undertake the arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine located in Kashmir Himalayas in July-August.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed the Punjab Police to ensure smooth and safe passage for devotees going for the Amarnath Yatra, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of Police, Army, Civil Administration, and other security agencies to take stock of the security arrangements in this regard.

The meeting, which was held in Pathankot, focused on strategic preparations for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, encompassing diverse aspects such as police deployment, security measures, traffic management, and disaster management, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab stated.

Special DGP Arpit Shukla, while chairing the meeting, deliberated on securing the International Border and ensuring the safety of the devotees going for the Amarnath Yatra.

He said that Punjab Police has further escalated the level of security with the deployment of 550 Punjab Police personnel, SOG, sniper detachments, bomb disposal, and other commando units, and a high alert has been sounded, with an eight-second line of defense nakas established by Punjab Police. (ANI)

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Van Meets with Accident near Chandanwari Two Amarnath pilgrims injured

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accident

A van carrying Amarnath pilgrims met with an accident near Chandanwari in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, leaving at least two persons injured, officials said on Sunday.

“Today, a van carrying Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris met with an accident near Chandanwari. The pilgrims sustained serious head injuries & were promptly evacuated by the BSF QRT (Quick Response Team) to a nearby hospital,” the Border Security Force (BSF) said in a post on X.“The quick response of BSF saved the precious lives of the pilgrims,” the BSF added.

Though BSF did not mentioned the number of people injured in the accident, visuals showed two of the pilgrims, including a woman could be seen admitted in the hospital. Their identities were not confirmed.

Earlier in the day, another batch of pilgrims left from the Pantha Chowk base camp for the Amarnath yatra amid tightened security.Visuals showed queues of cars crossing the Pantha Chowk base camp’s police checkpoints.

Rajesh Gupta, a pilgrim from Delhi, said, “This is my second yatra to worship Baba Bholenath. I am very happy and excited about this. All the facilities, including the security provided by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the camps made for the pilgrims, are very good.”

Krishna Kumar, who made his 25th journey to Amarnath today, said, “I am very happy. During COVID-19, I traveled via the helicopter route. The transportation and camp facilities are very good. Everyone from the military has cooperated with us properly. It is only because of their cooperation that we can complete our journey properly.”

Another pilgrim from Jammu, Ajay Khajuria, said, “We are going to Baltal right now. The security is very good. We are very happy for the journey ahead.”The annual yatra, which lasts for 45 days, is a major concern for the government amid the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The administration has left no stone unturned to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims amidst the heightening concerns and the challenging terrain of the route. (ANI)

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Warm Welcome for First Batch of Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims in Srinagar

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In a warm display of hospitality, the initial group of Shri Amarnathji Yatra pilgrims were welcomed by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, upon their arrival at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar on Friday.

The first contingent of pilgrims partaking in the revered Amarnath Yatra received a hearty reception from local officials.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Ashish Kumar Mishra, along with other civil and police representatives, were present to extend their greetings to the pilgrims.

“The Amarnath Yatra is a momentous event for us, and we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and comfort of all pilgrims,” remarked DC Srinagar Dr. Bilal. “We embrace all the devotees with open hearts and are here to support them throughout their journey,” he added.

The district administration has implemented comprehensive measures to ensure the Yatra proceeds smoothly. These extensive preparations include heightened security, medical facilities, and logistical support to meet the pilgrims’ needs, the DC mentioned.

He assured that pilgrims can undertake their spiritual journey to the Amarnath cave with confidence, knowing that local authorities are devoted to their safety and well-being.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Director General of Police Visits Amarnath Yatra Base Camps for Security Assessment

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The Director General of Police, J&K R.R. Swain inspected Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra base camps at Baltal in Kashmir and Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu today.

He also visited Chanderkot in Ramban to review preparations for the pilgrimage, receiving detailed briefings from officers on security measures.Accompanied by ADGP Security, J&K M.K. Sinha and ADGP L&O J&K Shri Vijay Kumar, the DGP emphasised coordination between agencies and community engagement.

Security protocols, technology use, and contingency planning were highlighted, with a focus on intelligence gathering and enhancing camp security.At Chanderkot, the DGP commended recent anti-terrorism operations and stressed police determination for regional peace.

In Baltal and Bhagwati Nagar, detailed security arrangements were briefed by local officials, ensuring readiness for the pilgrimage.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

IGP’s Bold Security Overhaul for Amarnath Yatra 2024: Drones, CCTVs, and Unprecedented Measures Revealed!

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The Inspector General of Police for the Kashmir Zone, Shri V.K Birdi, visited the Navyug Tunnel to Chandanwari today to inspect the security arrangements along the yatra route and at various camping sites. He also chaired a meeting with police and CAPF officers.

The inspection aimed to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage for all participants. Emphasis was placed on monitoring, strict vigilance, and patrolling to prevent any security breaches. The security at various camping sites was closely examined, with a focus on implementing robust and sustained measures to protect pilgrims from any harm by Anti-National Elements (ANEs). The inspection included an evaluation of on-ground deployment, access control, AS check teams, their equipment, surveillance systems, and emergency response protocols.

IGP Kashmir praised the efforts of the police and CAPFs for maintaining high vigilance and preparedness and stressed the importance of maintaining this spirit throughout the SANJY-2024 pilgrimage. At Chandanwari, the IGP conducted a detailed review of the security measures in place for the yatra with police and CAPF officers. They discussed the current security scenario and strategies to further strengthen the safety of the pilgrimage.

Discussions included coordination mechanisms, intelligence sharing, and contingency plans to address potential threats. Shri V.K Birdi reiterated the commitment of the police and CAPFs to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims and urged officers to remain alert and proactive in their duties.

Earlier, the IGP was briefed by officers on the proposed security measures for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra-2024. The briefing covered access control, ASCs, camp security arrangements, use of modern technical gadgets, road opening parties, laterals, and disaster management preparations.

Officers were directed to ensure better coordination and synergy with different security agencies on the ground for the peaceful conduct of the yatra. The use of modern security gadgets and technology, including CCTVs and drones, was also emphasized to enhance the security surveillance grid and thwart the designs of ANEs and terrorists.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Labour Commissioner Oversees Registration Process for Amarnathji Yatra Service Providers

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The Labour Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, Charandeep Singh, checked on the registration process for service providers for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2024. This included Ponywalas, Palkiwalas, and Dandiwalas, at a special mega camp set up by the Labour Department in Sonmarg.

The Assistant Labour Commissioner of Ganderbal and other Labour Department officials were also there. Charandeep Singh stated that all service providers for the Amarnathji Yatra will be registered before June 15th. Elaborate arrangements have been made to help service providers register themselves.

“In this mega camp, we have providers for ponies, palanquins, and walking sticks. The details of these service providers have been collected from the shrine board portal, and we are in the process of completing their registration,” he said.

“Currently, around 14,000 service providers have registered for SANJY-2024, and the registration process is set to finish by June 15th,” he added. Pony owners must register their ponies with the animal husbandry department after mandatory health checks. RFID cards will be given to registered service providers for the Yatra.

Previously, people had to go to Naranag or Ganderbal camps to collect their cards. But this year, cards will be sent to their respective districts for easy collection without delay.

Special camps will also be organized to issue RFID cards, ensuring service providers are ready to assist pilgrims before the Yatra begins.

The Labour Commissioner praised the commitment of the service providers in assisting millions of pilgrims with their religious duties. He instructed Labour Department officials to support the service providers fully to ensure a smooth and successful Yatra, providing all necessary facilities to pilgrims during their journey.

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Amarnath Yatra 2024

Preparations Underway for Annual Amarnath Yatra Starting : Inspector General Police VK Birdi

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Kashmir Zone Inspector General of Police VK Birdi announced on Monday that initial preparations are underway for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, set to commence on June 29.The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has confirmed that the 2024 Amarnath Yatra will begin on June 29, 2024, and conclude on August 19, 2024.

“Preparations are currently in the initial phase. Details will be shared once the preparations are fully developed,” IGP Birdi informed ANI.The Amarnath Yatra, which takes place during the ‘Shravani Mela’ in July-August (Shravan month in the Hindu calendar), draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. This period is the only time when the Amarnath Cave is accessible.

The annual pilgrimage is marked by the ‘Pratham Pujan’ ceremony.Among all Hindu deities, Lord Shiva is especially revered. Devotees undertake the challenging pilgrimage to pay homage to the Holy Ice Lingam at the Amarnath Cave Shrine, situated in the Kashmir Himalayas, between June and August.

The SASB, established by an Act of the Jammu & Kashmir State Legislature in 2000, manages the Holy Shrine. The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir serves as the Chairman of the Shrine Board.

The Shrine Board is tasked with enhancing the management of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, improving facilities for pilgrims, and addressing related matters. Supported by a Chief Executive Officer, an Additional Chief Executive Officer, and distinguished Board Members, the Board is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

48-Hour Traffic Shutdown on NH-44 Announced for Repairs Ahead of Amarnath Yatra 2024

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Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, announced a 48-hour traffic shutdown on the Srinagar Jammu National Highway (NH-44) in the coming days to carry out essential repairs and maintenance between Nashri and Banihal.

These repairs aim to ensure smooth traffic flow, particularly for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 and tourist season. Chaudhary made this announcement after leading a high-level team, including DIG Traffic Jammu Dr. Haseeb Mughal, on a visit to several critical spots along NH-44 on Tuesday.

The Deputy Commissioner identified 17 critical spots between Nashri and Banihal that require urgent repairs. The team, which also included Senior Superintendent of Police Ramban Anuj Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police Traffic NHW Ramban Rohit Basotra, and NHAI officials, issued necessary directives to ensure uninterrupted traffic movement.

Chaudhary also reviewed the strategy to expedite the NH-44 four-laning project to provide hassle-free connectivity for Yatris, tourists, passengers, and locals. He mentioned that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) would soon undertake blacktopping in the Banihal market.

“We are going to announce a 48-hour traffic shutdown on NH-44 in the coming days to carry out repair and maintenance at several places between Nashri and Banihal, including blacktopping of the highway passing through Banihal town,” said Chaudhary.

Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner discussed comprehensive security arrangements and emphasized increasing the staying capacity in Yatri Niwas and shelter sheds. He assured that the district administration, working as a cohesive team, would ensure all arrangements are in place well in time for the Yatra and tourist season.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

All arrangements well in place, Fully prepared for peaceful Yatra: Sandeep Gupta SSP Ganderbal

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Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal Sandeep Gupta Wednesday said that the local support is the bedrock of successful Amarnath yatra.Speaking exclusively to Kashmir News Service (KNS), he said due to support of locals of Kashmir valley the sessions of annual Amarnath Yatra have concluded peacefully.

He said the hospitality of Kashmir is popular all over the world and locals of valley have been proved very humane and helpful to every community visiting Kashmir.

SSP Ganderbal said the annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to start from June 20 this year. All arrangements have been given final shape and are well and place and we are fully prepared for peaceful yatra.(KNS)

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Officials Set Standardized Rates and Ensure Preparations for Smooth Shri AmarnathJi Yatra 2024

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To facilitate the smooth progress of the Shri AmarnathJi Yatra (SANJY) 2024 via the Baltal route, Shyambir, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ganderbal, convened a collaborative meeting today with relevant officers and representatives of various service providers. The primary agenda was to establish standardized rates for services offered at Sonamarg.

The objective of this initiative is to prevent instances of overcharging and to elevate the quality of services provided to the pilgrims.

During the meeting, an extensive dialogue took place concerning the services rendered by pony handlers, luggage carriers, palanquin bearers, porters, and other service providers. Stakeholders shared insightful suggestions and pledged their cooperation to ensure a successful and seamless yatra.

After meticulous discussions, the committee, in consultation with representatives of service providers, finalized the rates for different services, including pony rides, luggage handling, sedan chairs, palanquins, and labor services for SANJY-2024.

The DC underscored the importance of adhering to these standardized rates to uphold fairness and service quality.

The meeting was attended by various officials, including ADDC Ganderbal, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani; CEO SDA, Farooq Ahmad Baba, ASP, SDM Kangan, CPO, CAHO, Assistant Labour Commissioner, ARTO, along with other district and sectoral officers.

Subsequent to the meeting, the DC, accompanied by other officials, conducted an inspection at Baltal to assess the ongoing preparations for the yatra.

Emphasis was placed on ensuring the timely completion of essential services such as repairing damaged water pipelines, installing power cables, enhancing toilet facilities, repairing huts, fencing the pony stand, developing the pony track, establishing parking areas, installing railings along the yatra route, and clearing snow.

The DC issued necessary directives to ensure that all preparations are concluded within the stipulated timelines, guaranteeing the provision of optimal services to the pilgrims.