Srinagar, June 3, KNT: Preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra have gathered momentum with snow clearance operations progressing at full pace along the pilgrimage routes ahead of the commencement of the pilgrimage in the first week of July.
Officials said restoration and preparation work is underway on both the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims during the yatra.
As part of the arrangements, tent cities are being established at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps and are expected to be fully operational by June 15.
Authorities have also granted permission to 113 organizations to operate community kitchens, commonly known as langars, at various locations along the pilgrimage route and base camps to cater to the needs of devotees.
Meanwhile, security arrangements for the pilgrimage have been significantly strengthened.
Officials have declared all Amarnath Yatra routes as No-Fly Zones and helicopter services for this year’s pilgrimage have been suspended owing to security considerations.
Last year also helicopter services remained suspended.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine is one of the largest religious events in Jammu and Kashmir, attracting thousands of devotees from across the country.
Authorities are simultaneously focusing on infrastructure, accommodation, sanitation, medical facilities and security measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage season.
With nearly a month remaining before the yatra begins, preparations across base camps and pilgrimage routes are expected to intensify further in the coming weeks. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
