Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has established a Control Room equipped with Helpline facility, for Yatris undertaking the Shri Amarnathji Pilgrimage, in the office of Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board. Shri P.K Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board informed that from 19th to 30th June 2015 the helpline will function from 9.30 AM to 6 PM on all weekdays and round the clock from 1st July 2015 onwards till the conclusion of the Yatra.The Chief Executive Officer said that any person seeking information or assistance in regard to the forthcoming Yatra, which commences on 2nd July 2015, can call 0194-2501679 or 0946922210 or send an e-mail at [email protected]. Interested pilgrims can also gather Yatra related information through the Shrine Board’s website by logging on to www.shriamarnathjishrine.com and also send e-queries on-line through the website.
Cautioning the intending Yatris against undertaking this ardous Yatra without securing a Yatra Permit, Shri Tripathi stressed that, for ensuring effective security arrangements along the difficult tracks, only those Yatris who are in possession of a Yatra Permit which is valid for a specified date and route will be allowed to proceed beyond the Base Camps, and across the Entry Gates at Domel and Chandanwari. The CEO 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 also advised intending Yatris to come well prepared with adequate woolen clothing as the journey involves climbing across high mountains, facing cold winds and the temperature can sometimes abruptly fall to 5 degrees Celsius or lower.
CEO stated that for female pilgrims, saree would not be a suitable dress for the Yatra. He also advised Yatris to prepare for the Yatra by achieving a high level of physical fitness and start doing deep breathing exercises and yoga for improving their oxygen efficiency. Yatris are also advised not to use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. Yatris are also advised to thoroughly go through the ‘Dos and Don’ts’ for the Yatra as already made available to them at the time of advance registration as well as through the website of the Board.As earth, water, air, fire and sky are integral parts of Lord Shiva, the CEO 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.