Jammu, June 13: With just a month to go for the annual Amarnath 'yatra', Jammu and Kashmir government has set up two registrations counters for pilgrims here. Registration would start soon at the two counters, at the Jammu Railway Station and M A M stadium, for the 'yatra' commencing July 12, Deputy Commissioner Pawan Gupta told reporters after a high-level official meeting here today.

He said a batch of 2,800 pilgrims would be allowed to leave daily from here to Pahalgam and Baltal, the two base camps for the 'yatra'.

A convoy of buses would leave Jammu at 0530 hours everyday and security forces would be deployed all along highway till Pahalgam and Baltal, he said adding adequate number of buses were being arranged for the pilgrims.

As lakhs of pilgrims from almost all over the country were expected, the administration has also made elaborate arrangements for their comfortable stay, transportation, health care and food.

Twenty-six places have been identified in Jammu city where the pilgrims will stay before starting their journey towards Pahalgam, Kotwal said.

Adequate arrangements for electricity, drinking water, accommodation, public conveniences and catering have been ensured at all the places, he said. Besides, a number of social and religious organizations would also set up free 'langars' at various places in the city, Kotwal added.

Three more public call outlets (PCOs) would also be set up, he said.

Bureau Report