Only 500 pilgrims to be allowed per day for Amarnath Yatra, puja to be telecast live: J&K Administration

SRINAGAR: Asserting that the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra must be undertaken in a “restricted manner” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jammu and Kashmir Administration on Saturday mentioned solely 500 pilgrims can be allowed per day by highway from Jammu to the three,880-meter-high holy cave shrine.

It additionally mentioned the usual working procedures (SOPs) for testing of individuals getting into the Union Territory would even be relevant to the intending Amarnath pilgrims.
“The yatra this year will have to be undertaken in a restricted manner so that the SoPs for COVID-19 are strictly adhered to during the conduct of the yatra, a maximum of 500 yatris only could be allowed per day by road from Jammu,” Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam mentioned.

He additionally chaired a gathering of the sub-committee constituted by the Supreme Court for the yatra right here. In the assembly, he reviewed the preparations, together with safety for the pilgrimage, an official spokesman mentioned.

The 42-day yatra was scheduled to begin from the dual tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal on June 23 however was delayed because of the outbreak of the pandemic. According to sources, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) is planning to undertake the yatra within the final week of July for a brief period of 15 days.

While reviewing the preparations for the Yatra 2020, the Chief Secretary mentioned in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State Executive Committee constituted underneath the Disaster Management Act has issued SoPs which, interalia, prescribe 100 per cent RTPCR test for all individuals travelling into J&Ok.

“All entrants into J&K will have to be sampled, tested and quarantined till they are reported to be negative,” he mentioned, including the tenting amenities earlier utilised for yatris, particularly at entry factors are at the moment being utilised as quarantine centres.

He emphasised that SoPs for testing of individuals getting into J-Ok would apply to yatris as effectively. During the assembly, the Chief Secretary was briefed by the departments involved with regard to standing of works, together with upgradation and enchancment alongside the monitor from Baltal to the Cave shrine at Kali Mata and emergency exit monitor from Sangam, set up of railings alongside essential stretches of the monitor, development of extra helipads at Lower Holy Cave and development of sanitisation tunnels at Neelgrath Helipad, Baltal and Domel.

He additionally reviewed strengthening of footbridges and routine works viz set up of bailey bridges, the spokesman mentioned. Financial Commissioner, Health, Atal Dulloo additionally gave a short with regard to healthcare.

He mentioned sufficient inventory of medication, consumable objects, sleeping luggage, apart from PPE kits and masks are being made out there to the docs and paramedical workers being deployed for yatra obligation.

Dulloo apprised that two base hospitals are additionally being established alongside Baltal route. However, he was involved concerning the stress within the medical system due to the yatra.

“Nine out of 10 Kashmir districts are Red and the entire medical system is fully stretched in handling the challenge. No doctors will be available from outside J&K for the Yatra this year,” he mentioned.

“COVID and high-altitude sickness symptoms are quite similar and all cases will have to be treated as deemed COVID positive in case of an emergency. Also, special arrangements will have to be made for handling dead bodies,” he mentioned.

With regard to the safety preparations, the chief secretary requested the police division to make sure the efficient regulation of the yatra at entry management gates. He emphasised that each one deployments in relation to safety, rescue and fireplace and emergency should be in place effectively in time.