SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Vice president Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the government needs to rethink immediately on road construction to Amarnath cave in upper himalayas.

Border Roads personnel recently created a history driving their two vehicles right up to the Amarnath cave after widening the pedestrian track from Baltal in Ganderbal up to the shrine.

“To provide some ease is one thing, but there is an urgent need to think over it. To take vehicles in such fragile areas will bring destruction,” Omar told reporters in Srinagar.

The former Chief Minister said that there is a ban on any construction near the Dal Lake and tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg to preserve the environment.

“If Dal, Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam are to be saved, why not Amarnath cave. Is it not our responsibility to save the environment?”, he questioned.

The NC Vice President said the Amarnath yatra has been going on for years and people in Kashmir have carried the yatris on their shoulders.

“People will continue to do so. Playing with our environment is not good," he said.

"When we go for Hajj, we don’t undertake Tawaf in a vehicle. We do that on foot. People visit Mata Vaishno Devi shrine for darshan and many go on foot and do not use vehicles,” he said.

On the recent government order banning the employees protest, Omar said the government should devise some mechanism where employees put their legitimate demands. (UNI)

A record number of 3.70 lakh yatris paid obeisance at the Amarnath Cave Shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas, so far surpassing the previous year's total tally, officials said on Friday.

SRINAGAR: With 9,150 yatries performing darshan at the sacred Holy Cave on Friday, the total number of yatris who had paid obeisance at the Shrine reaches 369,288, surpassing the previous total tally of 3.65 lakh, an official spokesman said.T

he 62-day-long Amarnath yatra, which commenced on July 1, has achieved a momentous milestone, surpassing the total number of pilgrims from the previous year on Friday. The Yatra will culminate on August 31, Raksha Bandhan day.

This year's Yatra has been distinguished by its seamless arrangements, unwavering services, and meticulous management, garnering widespread acclaim and nurturing a sense of harmony among people hailing from diverse backgrounds.

This surpasses last year's total of 365,721, signalling a significant increase in the number of devotees undertaking this holy pilgrimage.

Beyond its spiritual significance, the Yatra has also witnessed the arrival of distinguished personalities from various walks of life, including renowned badminton player Saina Nehwal and Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan.
This diverse gathering serves as a testament to the universal appeal of the Amarnath Yatra, attracting individuals from all corners of the globe, united in their reverence for this sacred pilgrimage.

The Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2023 has also witnessed a significant increase in the number of foreign pilgrims visiting the holy shrine.

The pilgrimage's allure extends beyond national boundaries, drawing people from all over the world to partake in this spiritually enriching experience.
The pilgrims have wholeheartedly lauded the administration's tireless efforts in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

The resounding success of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2023 can be primarily attributed to the impeccable arrangements orchestrated by the administration.

Every facet of the Yatra, from the provision of langar services to healthcare facilities, sanitation, transportation, and security measures, has been meticulously managed to ensure unparalleled convenience for the pilgrims.

The seamless execution of these arrangements has led to a surge in the influx of devotees who are eager to embark on the spiritually enriching journey, and they have expressed their deep appreciation for the well-coordinated efforts.
The efficient organisation of the Yatra has provided them with a sense of comfort and security, fostering an environment of gratitude and admiration. Additionally, the Yatra coincided with the commemoration of Kargil Diwas at all Yatra Base Camps, where the triumph of the Kargil War was honoured.

The event saw active participation from various security departments, including the Army, CRPF, Police, NDRF, SDRF, Civil Administration, and Yatries, further strengthening the bond between the armed forces and the civilian population.
The Yatra served as an opportunity to pay tribute to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the defense of the nation.

The Yatra remains a cherished experience for all pilgrims and continues to inspire a sense of reverence and devotion in the hearts of those who undertake this sacred expedition. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Three Amarnath Yatra pilgrim were injured in a road mishap at the Gangoo area of Ramsoo in Jammu division on Friday morning.

A police official told news agency Kashmir Scroll that a yatra vehicle bearing registration number JK02BU-4095 onboard three pilgrims met with a road accident at Paloura.

The officer said in the mishap, all three pilgrims were critically injured and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where they were referred to GMC Jammu in a critical condition for advanced treatment.

Meanwhile, a police officer identified all the injured Yatries as Adarsh Kumar (58) son of Hajari Lal Sharma of Rehari colony Jammu his wife Smt. Manju Sharma (55) and Ankush Sharma (41) son of Sukhchain Sharma of 532 Roop Nagar Jammu.

He said a case in this regard has been registered and further investigation has set into motion. (KS)

SRINAGAR: Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan undertook Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir Himalayas on Thursday.

A video on social media showing Sara Ali Khan along with some friends and escorted by the security forces coming down the stairs at the Cave shrine of Amarnath.

The actress was wearing a grey trek suit and a “chunari” hanging with her neck, carrying a long stick in her right hand and left hand held by her friend coming down the stairs somewhere near the Amarnath route.

Sara Ali Khan often visits Kashmir valley and last time she was seen along with her brother Ibrahim Ali Khan at Gulmarg during the winters.

Sara Ali Khan also recently travelled to Pahalgam in south Kashmir where the actress enjoyed every bit of the trekking.
Last week India’s top Badminton player Saina Nehwal alongwith her mother also undertook the Amarnath yatra in Kashmir valley. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: At least 5 Amarnath Yatris sustained injuries after a speeding vehicle they were traveling in hit a divider in Udhampur district of Jammu region.

An official said that pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh were on their way to the Baltal base camp in central Kashmir Ganderbal district when the driver of their vehicle lost control and hit the road divider at Samroli along the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

The incident happened in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The injured pilgrims and the driver of the vehicle were admitted to a hospital. Their condition was stated to be “stable”. [KNT]

SRINAGAR: Olympic medalist and Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal is on pilgrimage to Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir himalayas and likely to pay obeisance there.

The badminton star who reached Sonamarg on Tuesday shared her photographs from the picturesque spot in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

Looking energetic, happy and graceful, Saina shared her photographs on social media twitter and Facebook from Sonamarg.

“Ready for the Amarnath”, Saina wrote on her Facebook, sharing some photographs wearing a blue feather jacket and warm headgear at Sonamarg.

The former world no 1, Saina has also shared a photograph on twitter with her mother posing along with Indian Army soldiers somewhere on the Amarnath route.

Saina, who has 24 international titles in her kitty, is likely to pay obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath situated at a height of 13,000 ft (3882 m) above sea level in Kashmir himalayas.

However, officials have no information about her arrival. “We have also seen her photographs on social media, an official told UNI”.

It was not clear whether the badminton star had darshan at the cave shrine of Amarnath, he added. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Amid the chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole', a fresh batch of 7805 pilgrims left on Wednesday for Shri Amarnath Cave Shrine here from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp.

After remaining suspended for three days, the yatra resumed from Jammu on Tuesday.

The yatra was suspended due to repair work on roads damaged by rains at Ramban on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

An official said that a batch of 7805 pilgrims left the base camp in a convoy of 339 vehicles.

As many as 4,677 pilgrims left for Pahalgam in a convoy of 207 vehicles, and 3,128 pilgrims left for the Baltal in a convoy of 132 vehicles. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Jmu-Sgr highway blocked after landslides; No pilgrims allowed to move Kashmir from Jammu's base camp; Qazigund-Banihal railway operation suspended after water logging: Officials*

Umaisar Gull Ganie

Srinagar, July 08 (KNO): The annual Amarnath Yatra on Saturday faced another disruption  due to  bad weather conditions that triggered multiple landslides on 270 km-long Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district, officials said.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that fresh batch of pilgrims were not allowed to leave from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for Holy cave due to weather advisory and heavy rains in Kashmir valley. “The Yatra remain suspended on twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam in valley for second consecutive day ”, he said.

He said overnight rains  triggered fresh landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at Panthyal, Mehar and other places in Ramban district blocking Srinagar- Jammu  highway. 

Meanwhile, the train services from Qazigund to Banihal railway track have  been suspended after water logging at Railway station Hiller Anantnag. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today launched various innovative initiatives of Rural Development Department to make Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra a zero-landfill pilgrimage.

These initiatives include reusable cloth bags, Yatra Anthem for sustainable and responsible tourism, MIS Portal and Web App for waste process monitoring.

In his address on the occasion, the Lt Governor congratulated the Rural Development Department and Swaaha Resource Management for their commendable work.

 “Zero-waste pilgrimage is our resolve. Sincere efforts are being made to transform Information, Education and Communication Campaign into Behavioral Change Communication and also to create an effective model for solid waste management,” the Lt Governor said.

He said, with the help of volunteers, IEC campaign and seamless coordination at four different stages of Solid Waste Management, our aim is to evoke profound responsibility towards environment, protection of natural heritage and the sustainable use of natural assets.

 “Swachh Campaign for this year's Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra signifies government’s commitment to safeguard spiritual, cultural, economic and ecological values.  IT tools, maximum use of renewable energy source will ensure clean, pure and unique experience to pilgrims,” the Lt Governor said. 

 “Your biggest competition is you,” the Lt Governor told the Rural Development Department for outstanding work in solid waste management during the previous year and achieving several milestones in recycling.

Such integrated efforts and waste management model can be replicated for other pilgrimages. We will direct Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to study and implement this model, he said.

He also shared the feedback received from pilgrims and highlighted the achievements registered on various parameters pertaining to the conduct of the yatra this year.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also released Insignia, IEC material and guidelines for Sustainable and Zero Landfill Yatra campaign.

Rural Development Department is working in partnership with Swaaha Resource Management. The Yatra anthem is sung by the renowned Bollywood singer Shaan Mukherji to spread awareness about sanitation and sustainability.

Movable inflatable Mascots, Touch screen kiosks, Audio Jingles, guidelines for pilgrims and langers, IEC Posters and Banners have been designed to educate and sensitize pilgrims and other stakeholders for Cleanliness, Zero Landfill and to Avoid Plastic. Free reusable cloth bags are also being distributed to make the yatra experience polythene free for pilgrims.

Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Ms. Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; senior Rural Development Department and SASB officers and representatives of Swaaha Resource Management attended the ceremony at Raj Bhawan. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: As the Shri Amarnathji Yatra continues seamlessly and weather has been also blissful since the commencement of pilgrimage, the yatries from every corner of the country flock to Kashmir to embark on the Darshan of Amarnath cave. 

Today, 18354 pilgrims who left toward the shrines both from Baltal Base Camp and Nunwan Base Camp performed the Darshan. These include Males 12483, Females 5146, Children 457, Sadhus 266 and Sadhvis  02.

The total number of yatries who performed Darshan since the beginning are 67566, More yatries will visit to shrine in coming days .

The pilgrims are being assisted during their entire journey by state agencies and civil departments by making all the essentials and facilities available to devotees.

All the departments including Police, SDRF, Army, paramilitary, Health, PDD, PHE, ULB, Information, Labour, Fire & Emergency, Education, Animal Husbandry have saturated the overall requirements & arrangements of SANJY by deployment of their men and machinery.

Under the supervision of Camp directors the entire facilities are extended to yatries including Langers, health facilities, assistance by service providers including poniwallaa, pithuwalas, dandiwalas, sanitation, and many other assistances.

 Today, a pilgrim, who started his journey on bicycle from Madhya Pradesh on MAY 25 arrived at Shadipora transit camp. He was given a warm welcome by Camp Magistrate. 

A family who has been on yatra, said that they received much affection from locals and best care from administration. They said that they enjoyed visit and felt overwhelmed by the overall arrangements.

Incase of any help, the government has established help desks at every Camp where they can avail any emergency help. (GNS)