Governor N.N Vohra, Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today reviewed the pace of the ongoing Yatra, which commenced from both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes on 29th June, 2017. Shri Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amaranthji Shrine Board, informed that 15335 Yatris had paid obeisance at the Holy Cave today, bringing the total number so far to 1,05,380.CEO further informed that two unauthorized persons who were selling Yatra helicopter tickets at exorbitant rates at Neelgrath, (District Ganderbal) had been arrested by Police. In this context, Governor cautioned all Yatris and Heli-passengers, as well as Service Providers to be cautious and not fall prey to any unscrupulous elements or self appointed agents and directed CEO to ensure a zero tolerance of any one found black-marketing or cheating Yatris. Governor asked DGP to issue strict orders in this regard to the district police.
CEO appealed to all pilgrims to obtain services only from the registered service providers and make payments only on the prescribed and displayed rates. He advised the Yatris to register their complaint, if any, with the Camp Director or Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board at phone 0194-2313148 or e-mail:[email protected] informed that a meeting was held today to review the health facilities. Dr. A.S. Ahangar, Director Health Services Kashmir, Sh. K.S. Chib, Additional Secretary to Government; Health and Medical Education Department, J&K; Sh. Arshad Rafi, Principal Regional Institute of Health & Family Welfare (Nodal Officer, SASB) attended the meeting. It was again emphasized that doctors should be stationed at the entry and exit gates of the major Camps, including Sheshnag and Panjtarni, for random checkup of Yatris by visual appearance for early identification of illness, if any, and provide them medical assistance before they proceed further for Yatra. In addition, announcements should be made at various Camps from the public address system that Yatris should approach the nearest Medical Camp and get themselves examined in case of any complaint.
CEO again urged the yatris to come well prepared with adequate woolen clothes, and shoes as in the Yatra area at times, the temperature can fall abruptly. He also advised the Yatris to prepare for the Yatra by achieving a high level of physical fitness and suggested that deep breathing exercises and Yoga be practiced regularly for improving respiratory efficiency. Health Advisories have also been issued by SASB from time to time, and uploaded on the Shrine Board’s website: http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com. Governor re-iterated his earlier directions to CEO and Addl. CEO to closely monitor the Yatra, ensure effective coordination with all the agencies involved in the conduct of the pilgrimage and ensure the safety and security of the Yatris particularly in regard to the forward movement of the pilgrims from the two Base Camps and onwards to the Holy Shrine.