Amarnath Yatra: Emergency centre to be set up at Chandanwari

Srinagar: A joint emergency operation centre would be set up at Chandanwari to meet any eventuality during the annual pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine.

A decision in this regard was taken during a meeting yesterday chaired by District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Muneer-ul-Islam, to review the arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra which begins on July 2.

The joint emergency operation centre would be set up at Chandanwari along Pahalgam-cave route, an official spokesperson said.

Regarding construction and upgradation of alternative routes, he said Pahalagam Development Authority has been asked to take immediate measures in liaison with security agencies for comprehensive and safe traffic management.

He said Public Health Engineering department has assured that underground pipes at Pissu Top, Zojpal and various locations will be laid by June 15 for supply of drinking water.

Islam asked for stocking of essential commodities, firewood and other Yatra-related machines at identified spots.

The yatra is expected to commence from the twin routes - 45-km traditional Pahalgam route and the 16 km Baltal route in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.

The registration for this year's pilgrimage to the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine, which houses the naturally formed ice Shivlingam, started on February 29 through 432 designated bank branches.

The Yatra is slated to end on Raksha Bandhan day on August 18.