Anantnag, July 3 (NVI): The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra along the traditional Pahalgam route commenced on Friday as Deputy Commissioner (Yatra Officer) Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat and Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam.
Senior civil and police officers, including Camp Director Atul Kumar, SDM Pahalgam and other officials, were present on the occasion.
After the flag-off, the pilgrims were transported to Chandanwari in special shuttle buses arranged by the Motor Vehicles Department, from where they will proceed towards the holy cave shrine.
The district administration said elaborate arrangements, including accommodation, medical facilities, sanitation, transport and security, have been put in place at various camps and along the pilgrimage route to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the yatra.
Pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made by the administration and security agencies as they began their pilgrimage with enthusiasm and devotion, officials said.(NVI)
