Amarnath Yatra

Van Meets with Accident near Chandanwari Two Amarnath pilgrims injured

June 30, 2024 by NOK Desk

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

Warm Welcome for First Batch of Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims in Srinagar

June 28, 2024 by NOK Desk

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

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

June 28, 2024 by NOK Desk

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

Labour Commissioner Oversees Registration Process for Amarnathji Yatra Service Providers

January 4, 2025June 6, 2024 by NOK Desk

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.

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

June 3, 2024 by NOK Desk

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

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

May 23, 2024 by NOK Desk

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

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

May 20, 2024 by NOK Desk

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.

Amarnath Yatra

IGP Kashmir Leads Strategic Security Review for LS Polls-2024 and Amarnath Yatra

May 20, 2024May 4, 2024 by NOK Desk

IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi-IPS, joined by DIG CKR Rajiv Pandey-IPS and SSP Ganderbal Sandeep Gupta-IPS, convened a collaborative security review session at DPO Ganderbal, addressing both the ongoing GELS-2024 and the upcoming Amarnath Ji Yatra-24.

The gathering included key figures such as Gh Hassan-JKPS from Hqr’s Ganderbal and Dy.SP PC Ganderbal Aftab Bukhari-JKPS, alongside other senior officers representing Police & CAPF.

Commencing the dialogue, SSP Ganderbal briefed IGP Kashmir on the district’s security landscape, shedding light on the current security framework for GELS-2024. Discussions delved into multiple dimensions, covering intelligence gathering, threat evaluations, and emergency response protocols, notably focusing on election preparedness and the deployment of CAPF Coys district-wide to ensure the smooth conduct of Parliamentary Elections.

Central to the meeting was the crafting of strategies to ensure public safety and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

IGP Kashmir emphasized to SSP Ganderbal and counterparts in CAPF and RR the imperative of rigorously assessing and bolstering existing strategies to counter potential terror threats. Further, IGP Kashmir issued directives for unbiased enforcement, advocating for decisive action against any law infringements and ensuring the readiness of law enforcement agencies to swiftly and effectively handle emergent situations.

In addition, a comprehensive discussion ensued regarding the impending Amarnath Ji Yatra-24, encompassing a meticulous security review of all transit points, base camps at Baltal and Domail, and related locations along the route.

Senior officers also scrutinized traffic management measures to facilitate the smooth movement of Yatra convoys, ensuring the availability of adequate parking facilities, and refining disaster management plans. Concluding the session, IGP Kashmir emphasized the necessity of seamless coordination at all levels to ensure the successful execution of Amarnath Ji Yatra-2024.

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Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra 2024: Journey of Devotion Begins June 29, Registration Opens Tomorrow!

May 20, 2024April 14, 2024 by NOK Desk

Get ready for a spiritual odyssey as the annual Amarnath Yatra is set to kick off on June 29, 2024. Pilgrims seeking solace and divine blessings will embark on this revered journey, which concludes on August 19, 2024.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has announced that registration for the pilgrimage will commence tomorrow, April 15, 2024. This marks the beginning of the preparation phase for devotees eager to participate in this sacred expedition.

The Amarnath Yatra holds immense significance for millions of devotees who embark on this arduous trek to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The journey takes pilgrims through breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrains, fostering a deep sense of spirituality and devotion.

Participants are urged to register in advance to secure their spot for this transformative experience. The pilgrimage is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual one, offering devotees an opportunity for introspection, prayer, and renewal.

As preparations get underway, authorities are ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place to facilitate a safe and smooth pilgrimage. From accommodation to medical facilities, every aspect is being meticulously planned to ensure the comfort and well-being of pilgrims.

The Amarnath Yatra is not just a religious tradition; it is a testament to the enduring faith of millions of devotees who make the pilgrimage year after year. It serves as a reminder of the power of devotion and the significance of spiritual journeys in one’s life.

As the registration opens tomorrow, devotees are encouraged to seize this opportunity to be a part of this sacred pilgrimage. Let the Amarnath Yatra 2024 be a journey of self-discovery, devotion, and divine blessings for all who embark on it.