Srinagar, Jul 4 (NVI): More than 26,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath cave shrine during the first two days of the annual pilgrimage, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said on Saturday.
Addressing a joint press conference with Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi, Garg said the pilgrimage, which began on July 3 through the twin routes of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district, is progressing smoothly with elaborate arrangements in place.
He said adequate facilities, including accommodation, healthcare, drinking water, rest shelters, disaster management teams and lighting along the tracks, have been put in place to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
Garg said the administration is adhering to the Supreme Court-mandated carrying capacity for the annual pilgrimage.
He said online registration for the yatra commenced on April 15 and only registered pilgrims, after completing the mandatory formalities, are being allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.
The Divisional Commissioner said some devotees have reached Jammu and Kashmir without prior registration, leading to inconvenience.
He urged such pilgrims to wait for their scheduled turn, reiterating that only those holding valid registration for the allotted date would be permitted to undertake the yatra.
Garg said the Tatkal quota is limited and depends on vacancies arising due to the non-reporting of registered pilgrims.
He also appealed to pilgrims who have arrived ahead of their scheduled dates to undertake the pilgrimage only on their allotted date to ensure smooth management and avoid overcrowding.
The Divisional Commissioner advised devotees planning to undertake the pilgrimage in the coming days to complete the online registration process well in advance.
He said the administration, in coordination with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and other departments, is making all efforts to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.(NVI)
