Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2009 flagged off Jammu June 15 - The first batch of nearly 900 pilgrims today left for Shri Amarnath Cave Shrine to have darshan of the holy Shivlingam.     Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr Nawang Rigzin Zora flagging off Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2009. The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr Nawang Rigzin Zora flagged off the contingent of 900 pilgrims in a fleet of 30 vehicles in the wee hours today in presence of a huge gathering of social and religious organizations. The 900 pilgrims include 607 males, 229 females and 64 children who boarded in 18 buses and 12 light motor vehicles ... more

Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture reviews Shri Amarnathji yatra arrangements at Baltal Srinagar, June 15 – Stressing the need for maintaining close coordination among various departments and agencies for smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra, Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has asked the administration to take all necessary steps for the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. The Minister asked all concerned agencies to maintain close coordination and adopt a cautious approach during the first ten days of the Yatra keeping in view the prevailing weather conditions. The Health Minister was reviewing the yatra arrangements in an officers meeting held at Base Camp, Baltal today. Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal (Yatra Officer), Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed, SASB officials, police and other officers were present in the meeting.... more

Shri Amarnathji Yatra for 2009 flagged off for Baltal route

Jammu June 15 - The first batch of nearly 900 pilgrims today left for Shri Amarnath Cave Shrine to have darshan of the holy Shivlingam.

The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr Nawang Rigzin Zora flagged off the contingent of 900 pilgrims in a fleet of 30 vehicles in the wee hours today in presence of a huge gathering of social and religious organizations.
The 900 pilgrims include 607 males, 229 females and 64 children who boarded in 18 buses and 12 light motor vehicles.

Wishing the pilgrims luck, Mr Zora advised them to be prepared to brave the chilling weather conditions around the Holy Cave shrine. He said that government is making every effort for extending all basic amenities to Shri Amarnathji Yatries at the various transit and lodging centre across Jammu city to ensure their comfortable stay before leaving for their destinations.

The Minister said that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place along the National Highway and throughout the yatra track, adding that the decision on opening the Pahalgam route for yatries shall be taken on 22nd of June after reviewing the snow/landslides clearance operations. He said that the state was abundantly endowed with pilgrimage tourism potential and all the three regions of the state were rich in cultural and heritage tourism as well. . He said that the state was known for its age-old hospitality adding that up keeping this tradition was sure to attract heavy influx of tourists/yatries in the state.
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal, IGP Jammu, Mr K Rajindra, District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Director Tourism, Jammu, Mr S M Sahni, other senior officers from police and civil administration and a galaxy of media persons graced the occasion.

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Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture reviews
Shri Amarnathji yatra arrangements at Baltal

Srinagar, June 15 – Stressing the need for maintaining close coordination among various departments and agencies for smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra, Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has asked the administration to take all necessary steps for the safety and comfort of the pilgrims. The Minister asked all concerned agencies to maintain close coordination and adopt a cautious approach during the first ten days of the Yatra keeping in view the prevailing weather conditions. The Health Minister was reviewing the yatra arrangements in an officers meeting held at Base Camp, Baltal today.

Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal (Yatra Officer), Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed, SASB officials, police and other officers were present in the meeting.

Mr. Sharma took a thorough review of the yatra arrangements and issued instructions to all the participating agencies to work with devotion and dedication to make the yatra a success. He said that yatris are our special guests and we have to treat them accordingly as per the age-old traditions. The Minister said the Yatris visit this famous and revered shrine from all over the world and it is our duty to ensure for their safety and comfort, so that they return back with sweet memories.

The Minister also inspected the health-care facilities in the yatra camp and asked the doctors to provide every kind of assistance to the needy people. He went round all the make-shift wards and units and expressed satisfaction at the arrangements. He instructed the forest and CA&PD officials to ensure required quantity of firewood and essentials in the camp. He also directed the security agencies to ensure that no yatri is subjected to overcharging and unnecessary harassment on any account.

To ensure safe drinking water and quality food to the pilgrims, the Minister asked the concerned to have frequent test of water, food items and maintain close vigil on the situation round the clock. He asked the SASB officials to maintain close coordination with the administration.

The Deputy Commissioner briefed the Minister about the arrangements made by the administration for the smooth conduct of the yatra. He informed that all the participating departments and agencies have started their functioning and are ready to receive the pilgrims as per schedule. He said that special arrangements have been made for proper sanitation in and around the base camp and round the clock water supply and power supply would also be ensured. He said that adequate arrangements for the stay of yatris have been made in the camp.

Earlier, the Minister inspected all the health-care camps established en-route and issued instructions to incharge camps to ensure medicare to all the needy pilgrims during the yatra period. He asked the Director Health Services to ensure necessary medicines and other facilities in the camps to meet the emergencies.
Mr. Sharma also dedicated an ambulance to PHC, Tulmula which was a long pending demand of the locals. He also assured upgradation of medicare facilities in the PHC. He also visited Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine and paid obeisance.

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