The annual Amarnath pilgrimage continued seamlessly in Kashmir Valley on Sunday as pilgrims were allowed to move from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes following improvement in weather conditions. Officials said over 7000 yatris were allowed on Sunday to move towards holy cave on both the routes.
However, no fresh batch of pilgrims was allowed from Jammu base camp to proceed towards Pahalgam Base Camp in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district in view of separatists’ shutdown call on militant commander Burhan Wani’s second anniversary.
The Yatra resumed on Saturday from Baltal route in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district after remaining halted for three consecutive days due to bad weather and slippery road condition.
Governor NN Vohra, who is also ex-officio Chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) is regularly reviewing the conduct of ongoing yatra. Governor is being briefed on issues relating to security management and the arrangements made for the safe conduct of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.
The Yatra resumed from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes early Saturday morning and helicopter services also operated from both the sides.
In view of serious problems caused by landslides, particularly between Railpathri and Brarimarg on Baltal route, the critical spots have been identified and preventive measures including laying of wire mesh, lighting of the track, raising of breast walls etc. are being undertaken on emergent basis to ensure the safety of pilgrims, in addition to the deployment of rescue teams.