Amarnath Yatra 2023: First batch of pilgrims begins journey from Baltal base camp

Ganderbal: The annual Amarnath Yatra began on Saturday with the first batch of pilgrims starting their journey from the Baltal base camp to the Amarnath cave in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal. The yatra was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir at Baltal base camp along with senior officials of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and Police.

“Today we are flagging off the first batch of passengers from here. I wish everyone a pleasant journey. Passengers are requested to avail all the facilities available. There are around 7,000 to 8,000 passengers now. Registration still going on Is.” Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Shyambir said, “Our volunteers are everywhere to help.

The 62-day pilgrimage will end on August 31. Pilgrims will travel 12 km from the base camp to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in the South Kashmir Himalayas, located at an altitude of about 13,000 feet.

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The first batch of pilgrims for Amarnath Yatra 2023 reached the Baltal base camp in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal on Friday. He was received by the district administration at Kali Mata Temple in Tikri of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir. Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is one of the twin routes for the annual pilgrimage, the other being the Pahalgam route in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Jammu base camp in the early hours of Friday. In preparation for the yatra, various ‘langar’ committees started their practice on Wednesday, three days in advance to serve the pilgrims.

The committees prepared sheds, cooking resources and other raw materials on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. This year a total of 22 langars have been set up at different points of the highway (NHW-44). Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited Yatri Niwas located in Bhagwati Nagar and reviewed the arrangements made for the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, took stock of the pilgrims’ food and accommodation, security, functioning of the joint control room, langar stalls, registration counters, electricity and water supply, health facilities. , sanitation, transport, deployment of health and sanitation staff, installation of mobile toilets, fire fighting vehicles and emergency services on Thursday.

The Lt Governor directed the officials to increase manpower for health, sanitation and other essential services. He welcomed the pilgrims who reached Yatri Niwas from all over the country for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. During the conversation, the Lieutenant Governor also inquired about the facilities. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar informed the Lt Governor that the holding capacity of pilgrims at Samba and Kathua has been increased since last year and additional buses have been deployed at major places of pilgrimage.