Jammu/Srinagar: With the Valley tense due to violence in Sopore and Kulgam, the Army and state government are not taking no chances this time to ensure protection for Armanath yatris, with the Yatra scheduled to begin on July 2.
Governor N N Vohra made an aerial survey of Pahalgam-Panchtarni route on Tuesday and visited Sheshnag yatra camp. He later reviewed security measures with army commanders, Intelligence Bureau joint director and top brass of state police.
The first batch of yatris will leave from Bhagwanti Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on July 2. Community kitchen, ATMs, medical camp, water, electricity facilities have been arranged for the pilgrims.
In the Valley, Governor N.N. Vohra, accompanied by P.K. Tripathi, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the Pahalgam-Panjtarni route and thereafter visited Sheshnag Yatra Camp to review security arrangements. The state administration is providing medical camp, shelter sheds, Langars, tents, shops, pre-fabricated huts, toilets, baths, for the pilgrims.
Col. Mahendra Pal Singh Mourya, CO, 10 Mahar Regt., and senior officers of J&K Police; CRPF, BSF and the Leader of the Avalanche Rescue Team briefed the Governor about arrangements to be made on the tracks from July 2 onwards.
The Governor directed the Camp Directors to have regular daily meetings with all the security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure immediate resolution of any arising problem.
Pahalgam Development Authority has been asked to speed up ongoing works to ensure completion of the Chandanwari-Pissu Top- Sheshnag-Mahagunas Top- Poshpathri-Panjtarni track by June 28 latest .
NDRF teams will be deployed at Pissu Top and Sheshnag and SDRF teams will be deployed at Sheshnag, M.G. Top and Poshpathri.
SASB has made arrangements with Pawan Hans Limited and Global Vectra Helicorps Limited for providing heli-services on the Neelgrath–Panjtarni–Neelgrath Sector and the Himalayan Heli Services Private Limited for heli-services on the Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam Sector.
“The one way per passenger heli-fare for Neelgrath-Panjtarni and Pahalgam-Panjtarni has been fixed at Rs 1950 and Rs 4190, respectively,” the spokesman said.
Yatris, who wish to avail heli-service, are not required to seek Advance Registration through the designated Bank Branches as their applications for purchasing heli tickets contain the required information and the same shall be treated as Yatra Permits for undertaking the pilgrimage.
However, no such Yatris shall be allowed to board the heli-services unless he produces the required Compulsory Health Certificate issued by an authorised doctor.
