Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, inaugurated the Shrine Board’s Bulk Short Message Service (SMS) which has been started for the first time to add a new facility for facilitating the pilgrims of the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra which commences on 2nd July 2016. This Bulk SMS Service is aimed to enable the Yatris to become aware about the arduous nature of Yatra and the precautions they are required to take before and during their pilgrimage. Frequent Bulk SMSs will be sent on the mobile phones of the intending Yatris who have registered themselves in advance and have also provided their mobile numbers. The SMSs will cover the Do’s and Don’ts and the Health Advisory to be followed during this pilgrimage. All other important Yatra related information including weather forecasts or any other messages in case of any arising emergency will also be disseminated through these SMSs to the Yatris who have registered in advance.The Governor has once again appealed to the intending pilgrims and all the stakeholders of the Yatra to maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the entire Yatra area, from the Base Camps onwards, to preserve the natural environment. He has particularly requested the stakeholders not to use polythene or any other non-biodegradable materials.As earth, water, air, fire and sky are integral parts of Lord Shiva, the Governor has urged the Yatris to respect the environment throughout the pilgrimage from the Base Camp onwards, along the entire Yatra routes, and do nothing whatsoever which would cause pollution.
Shri P K Tripathi, CEO and Shri Jitendra Kumar Singh, Addl. CEO of the Board who were present on the occasion have again urged the Yatris to come fully prepared for the Yatra and carry sufficient woolen clothes as the temperature abruptly falls below 5 degree Celsius in the Yatra area. The Yatris have also been advised to prepare themselves well in advance and undertake 4 to 5 kms morning / evening walk every day to achieve physical fitness required for Yatra. The Yatris have also been advised to consult their physician before embarking on the pilgrimage in case there is any change in the status of their health after having obtained Compulsory Health Certificate some weeks earlier. It was also informed that intending Yatris must reach at the respective Base Camps on dates for which they have registered themselves. Further, the Access Control Gates at Baltal/Domel and Chandanwari will remain open from 05.00 AM to 11.00 AM only, after which no Yatri shall be allowed to proceed further beyond the Access Control Gates.The CEO has again appealed to all intending Yatris to early complete the necessary formalities for Registration and timely obtain a Yatra Permit in their own interest, so that they do not face any inconvenience on the planned date of their Yatra. Keeping in view the very tough nature of the trek, children below the age of 13 years and elderly persons above the age of 75 years shall not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.CEO stated that for the female pilgrims, saree would not be a suitable dress for the Yatra. Yatris are also advised not to use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. To avoid getting themselves and their belongings wet due to unpredictable weather, the CEO has advised the Yatris to carry an umbrella, wind cheater, raincoat and waterproof shoes and to keep eatables and clothes in suitable waterproof bags.To avoid high altitude sickness, as the pilgrimage to the Holy Cave involves trekking at altitudes as high as 14000 feet, the CEO has advised the Yatris to drink a good amount of water to combat dehydration and headaches-about 5 litres of fluid per day, and follow the prescribed food menu, available at the Board’s website.