Jammu and Kashmir Prepares for Amarnath Yatra 2024

Jammu - The Jammu and Kashmir administration has released the first picture of this year's Baba Barfani's Dham at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath, where Baba Barfani is seated in the form of Himshivilinga amidst snow-covered surroundings. The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on 29th June this year.

Preparations for the yatra are in full swing, with the administration focusing on ensuring the convenience and safety of the devotees. Efforts are being made to ensure a smooth travel route, and 2.38 lakh Shiv devotees have already completed offline and online advance passenger registration within 20 days.

Snow removal work is underway on the traditional Pahalgam route, and tenders have been issued for important travel-related works, which will commence in the middle or last week of May. Security and traffic management are being strengthened to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.

District Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaish visited the Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu along with officials to oversee preparations. He instructed the Chief Medical Officer Jammu to establish all necessary health facilities and a robust communication system, including public address systems, for timely guidance and information dissemination to passengers at Yatri Bhawan.

With expectations of increased passenger numbers, arrangements are being made to accommodate them in case of emergencies. Passenger accommodation is being expanded in Jammu, Ramban, and Srinagar, and accommodation facilities in social and religious buildings are being checked. Hospitals authorized to issue mandatory health certificates for advance passenger registration are witnessing large crowds of devotees.

The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board will soon start an online booking service for helicopter services. Additionally, repair works including painting, electricity, and water supply in passenger residence halls and langar sites will commence soon. Group registration for five or more passengers is also being facilitated, with permits issued according to date and route slot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Group registration is available until 31st May.