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AMMU/SRINAGAR: The second batch of Amarnath yatris, consisting of 4,416 pilgrims, set off for the two base camps of Nunwan (Pahalgam) and Baltal (Ganderbal) in Kashmir Valley from the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, in 186 vehicles early Saturday.
While 1,683 devotees left for the Baltal base camp around 3.52am, as many as 2,733 pilgrims set out for the Nunwan camp around 4.49am. Both convoys were escorted under a multi-grid security cover, said an official.
Additional security arrangements have been put in place for this year’s Amarnath Yatra with a special focus on quick and effective response in case of natural disasters, while quadcopters and night vision devices (NVDs) are engaged in round-the-clock surveillance on both routes to the holy cave shrine, the Army said later in the day.
“Apart from the Army, central forces and police have been deployed on higher reaches. Every soldier has been briefed to ensure the least inconvenience to locals during the Yatra period. Mountain and avalanche rescue teams have been deployed to meet any eventuality,” Commander 1 sector RR, Amandeep Malhi, said while addressing a press conference at the Pahalgam base camp on Saturday.
Malhi said, “This year, quick and effective response teams will ensure fast evacuation in case of any natural calamity.” The National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force conducted joint drills to ensure timely response in case of a natural calamity, he added.
In another press briefing at Baltal on Saturday, 3 sector Commander of Army, Atul Rajput, said a multi-tier security grid has been set up for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. “Surveillance devices, NVDs, anti-drone teams and bomb squads have been deployed along the route to the cave shrine for round-the-clock surveillance. A proper tenting facility and emergency helipads are ready to evacuate the pilgrims in case of any emergency. Civil agencies, J&K Police, CRPF, ITBP, and other security agencies have undergone mock drills that include mountain and avalanche rescue,” Rajput said.
In view of the cloudburst and resultant flash floods near the cave shrine last year, in which as many as 16 people died and the Yatra had to be suspended temporarily, the officer said that earthmoving equipment has been readied at forward areas this time. “We are in constant touch with the locals as they are the main stakeholders, and their suggestions are valuable. This Yatra is another best time to show Kashmiriyat. The Army will ensure the safe return of the last pilgrim,” added Rajput.
While 1,683 devotees left for the Baltal base camp around 3.52am, as many as 2,733 pilgrims set out for the Nunwan camp around 4.49am. Both convoys were escorted under a multi-grid security cover, said an official.
Additional security arrangements have been put in place for this year’s Amarnath Yatra with a special focus on quick and effective response in case of natural disasters, while quadcopters and night vision devices (NVDs) are engaged in round-the-clock surveillance on both routes to the holy cave shrine, the Army said later in the day.
“Apart from the Army, central forces and police have been deployed on higher reaches. Every soldier has been briefed to ensure the least inconvenience to locals during the Yatra period. Mountain and avalanche rescue teams have been deployed to meet any eventuality,” Commander 1 sector RR, Amandeep Malhi, said while addressing a press conference at the Pahalgam base camp on Saturday.
Malhi said, “This year, quick and effective response teams will ensure fast evacuation in case of any natural calamity.” The National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force conducted joint drills to ensure timely response in case of a natural calamity, he added.
In another press briefing at Baltal on Saturday, 3 sector Commander of Army, Atul Rajput, said a multi-tier security grid has been set up for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. “Surveillance devices, NVDs, anti-drone teams and bomb squads have been deployed along the route to the cave shrine for round-the-clock surveillance. A proper tenting facility and emergency helipads are ready to evacuate the pilgrims in case of any emergency. Civil agencies, J&K Police, CRPF, ITBP, and other security agencies have undergone mock drills that include mountain and avalanche rescue,” Rajput said.
In view of the cloudburst and resultant flash floods near the cave shrine last year, in which as many as 16 people died and the Yatra had to be suspended temporarily, the officer said that earthmoving equipment has been readied at forward areas this time. “We are in constant touch with the locals as they are the main stakeholders, and their suggestions are valuable. This Yatra is another best time to show Kashmiriyat. The Army will ensure the safe return of the last pilgrim,” added Rajput.
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