Amarnath Yatra will be a better way for pilgrims on foot

Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday directed to widen the footpath for the annual Amarnath Yatra. According to the instructions, cement tiles will be laid from Baltal on the pedestrian path. The administration expects that around six lakh people will be involved in the yatra this year. An official spokesperson said that the instructions were issued in the 10th meeting of the High Level Committee of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board chaired by Chief Secretary BVR Subramanian. The annual pilgrimage starts in June-July on the 36 km long Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and 14 km long short route in Ganderbal district and runs to Raksha Bandhan in August. The official said that the Chief Secretary reviewed the preparations for a clean, smooth and safe journey. He said that Subramaniam also reviewed the condition of elevation of the road on both the routes. Along with this, the Chief Secretary also reviewed the provision of drinking water, light, LPG, ration medicine and mobile connectivity at various places along with temporary camps, shelter sites, health and medical camps. The official said that the Chief Secretary hoped for the arrival of six lakh devotees and directed to fix the system.