Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board issues advisory on do’s and don’ts
Yatris to be allowed beyond Domel on Baltal route
only up to 9 a.m. everyday
Yatris advised not to travel without
Registration for the route and the date

Srinagar, June13 - With this year’s Amarnathji Yatra taking off from Jammu on June 15 and proceeding towards the Holy Cave via Baltal route only the next day, the pilgrims embarking on the arduous journey, would be allowed to proceed beyond Domel only up to 9 a.m. each day.

“Keeping in view the recent snowfall, rains and slushy track on the route from Domel to the Holy Cave, time-bound regulation of the pilgrimage assumes greater significance in order to ensure the safety and security of the Yatris”, a Spokesman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board said, while issuing an advisory for the pilgrims with regard to do’s and don’ts of the Yatra.

He added that while the Yatra on the Baltal route has been permitted from Baltal w.e.f. June 16, 2009, in the wake of the recent rains and snowfall the track continues to be slushy at various points, which calls for extra caution by the pilgrims. The Board officials and the engineers would be keeping strict vigil on the entire track to ensure smooth movement of the pilgrims, he said, adding that a number of engineers have been positioned at the Baltal Base Camp and the Holy Cave to monitor the situation.

The Spokesperson has again advised the pilgrims to get registered through Jammu and Kashmir Bank for the Yatra and ensure that the date of Yatra and the route to be followed are properly recorded in the Yatra slip.

He categorically clarified that the Yatris registered since June 7 for the Chandanwari route shall not be permitted to undertake the journey on the Baltal route and they would need to register afresh with the concerned branch(es) of J&K Bank for the Baltal route as per available quota earmarked for this route. However, if they wish to take the traditional Chandanwari-Holy Cave route, they would need to register afresh for a new date convenient to them after the Board has announced the opening of the traditional route via Pahalgam. The decision on this is likely to be taken on 22nd June, after assessing the status of the track.
The Spokesperson also added that Yatris registered for Baltal route between June 7 – June 15 should also revalidate their Yatra Registration for any date convenient to them, through the concerned branch of J&K Bank, subject to availability of the quota. While recognizing and appreciating fully the inconvenience caused to pilgrims due to revision in the Yatra schedule, the Spokesperson said that the regulation of the Yatra had become inescapable as only a fixed number of Yatris would be permitted even on the Baltal route in view of the obtaining weather situation in the Himalayan region and the current status of the Baltal track.

As the pilgrims have to trek through high mountains, the Spokesperson has advised the Yatris to carry adequate woolen clothing, a small umbrella, raincoat, waterproof shoes, torch, a stick, cap, gloves, jacket, woolen socks and trousers. These are essential as the climate is unpredictable, particularly in view of the recent unprecedented inclement weather, The temperature sometimes falls in the area to 5 degree Celsius. For ladies, sari is not a suitable dress for the Yatra. Salwar kameez, pant-shirt or a track suit will be more comfortable for Yatris of both sexes. The pilgrims must keep the porters and horses/ponies with their luggage alongside as it may be difficult to trace them in case they get separated from them. This is necessary as they may suddenly need some items from their luggage. Each pony/horse-wallah would be wearing a photo identity card.

The Yatris must carry a slip in their pocket which shows their name, address and mobile number (if any) and details of any accompanying Yatri. They must also carry with them their identity cards or driving licences, besides Yatra slip. Every Yatri is advised to carry general medicines such as Glucose, Disprin, Combiflam, a water bottle, some biscuits or dry fruits, cold cream, Vaseline, sunscreen lotion etc.

The Yatris are advised not to stop at places which are marked by warning notices. Keeping in view the difficult nature of the Yatra, sick persons and small children should not undertake the Yatra. Like-wise, aged persons and those suffering from any heart or breathing ailment or any orthopedic disability must get medical advice before embarking on the Yatra. The Yatris must not use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. They must not attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so would be dangerous. The Yatris are also advised against doing anything during the entire Yatra which could cause pollution or disturb the environment of the Yatra area.

Click here to read more information on Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s staff assisted by the Fire Services, CRPF and Police pressed into service to control forest fires in Chanji Chhat area

Katra, June 13 - On June 12th, 2009 at about 4 a.m. in the morning, brisk wild forest fire broke-out in Sanjichhat area and started spreading fastly towards Bhairon ridge with the support of speedy winds. The area being in-accessible, the fire started spreading to the lower reaches. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s staff assisted by the Fire Services, CRPF and Police made all out efforts to contain the fire by taking measures like making fire lines. More than 250 employees were pressed into service and were able to prevent damage to the property. Despite the fire incident, the Yatra went on smoothly except for 2-3 hours when it had to be diverted through the alternate track.

In another incident of fire which broke-out on the ridge across the Adhkuwari, preventive measures such as temporary shifting of LPG Stores, deploying adequate manpower for fire fighting etc. were taken to ensure that the fire does not spread to the main Adhkuwari establishment. The fire fighting measures continued the whole day on 12th June and till late in the intervening night of 12th & 13th June, 2009. The Shrine Board administration is keeping a close watch on the situation and has also kept the Govt. administration abreast of the situation, besides seeking their help.

For improving preparedness in dealing with calamities such as forest fire of catastrophic magnitudes, adequate efforts are being made at various levels on a regular basis. These include seeking expertise of National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), Fire Safety Audit through Director, Fire Services, J&K Govt., appropriate training programmes for the staff, setting-up of Control Rooms, surveillance systems and maintaining inventory of fire fighting equipments at various sites. All these efforts are a part of the detailed Disaster Management Plan prepared by the Shrine Board. The team of officers from NIDM is visiting Shrine Board establishments on 13th June, 2009 to extend their expertise on disaster preparedness.

A detailed analysis of recent fire incidents in the Shrine Board areas to assess the fire safety and need for preventive measures is also being undertaken at highest level of the Shrine Board’s management.

Click here to read more information on Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji.