Decision to allow yatra from Pahalgam tomorrow

Srinagar, Jun 24: Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) will take the final decision on the commencement of pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir tomorrow.

Keeping in view the condition of the track and other difficulties, a Joint Team after visiting the critical stretches on the traditional Pahalgam track this afternoon, advised that only a limited number of Yatris, who are physically fit, should be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage through this track.

The Joint Team has submitted its report to the Chairman SASB, who will most likely to announce tomorrow the Boards' decision on the date from which the Yatra would commence from Pahalgam route.

The Team and SASB said when the track would be put through only for physically fit yatris, who follow the advisories on clothing, the yatra should be allowed from Pahalgam.

The Team also stressed the need for creating adequate awareness among the pilgrims about the weather and track conditions so that they come fully prepared to undertake the Yatra.

The old and children will be advised not to undertake the Yatra, in the interest of their safety and security.

The Team impressed upon the officials of various utility departments and the SASB to evolve a foolproof mechanism for making available all the required facilities to the pilgrims.

The Team completed its two-day assessment visits of the highly critical stretches of the track between Wavbal and Poshpathri this afternoon.

In order to expedite the snow clearance, especially the need to carve out a bypass track over the snow avalanche near Mahagunas Top, the SASB pressed into service additional labour to supplement the efforts of the Pahalgam Development Authority which has the responsibility to clear and operationalise the track between Pahalgam and the holy cave.

UNI