A delegation of Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas called on Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu at the Raj Bhavan here today.The delegation led by Pawan Kumar Kohli comprising of - Brig.(Retd) Suchet Singh, Leela Karan Sharma, Sudarshan Khajuria , Dr. Goutam Mengi, Karan Singh Charak, Rajesh Gupta, Shakti Dutt Sharma and Abhishek Gupta discussed with the Lt Governor, about various issues concerning the conduct of yatras for the holy shrines of Shri Amarnathji and Shri Buda Amarnathji.The Lt Governor while interacting with the members of the delegation, observed that due to the current COVID-2019 pandemic situation, appropriate decision on organizing the Yatras can only be taken after periodic reviews of the situation, as a comprehensive planning and execution is involved in the conduct of the yatras.He said that around 20,000 health care professionals and 30,000 police and para-military personnel are working towards the containment of coronavirus, and their availability is also to be ascertained for the conduct of yatras.
Members of the delegation made several suggestions like curtailment of yatra duration; allowing specific age group devotees; preference for online yatra registration; commencement of Heli-yatra earlier and delay in on-foot yatra as per the prevailing situation; operationalization of single route (Pahalgam route) etc.They also suggested the live telecast of the Pooja, upon which the Lt Governor observed that a discussion has already been held on exploring the possibility of telecasting the Pooja and darshan of Shivlinga online and through other media for the devotees. He urged the delegation to stay in touch with the langer organizations as well, and assured the best possible support in facilitating the necessary arrangements, wherever required.“The government will explore all possible means required for the conduct of the yatras. However, all these developments are subject to review, in view of the COVID-19 crisis”, he maintained.