Yatra 2023: First batch leaves for Holy Cave from Baltal base camp
GANDERBAL: Marking begining of annual Shri Amarnaath Ji Yatra 2023, the first batch of pilgrims was today flagged off by Secretary Planning Development & Monitoring Department, (Nodal Officer for Yatra via Baltal Axis), Dr Raghav Langer, for revered Amarnath Shrine here from Domail, Baltal base camp, Ganderbal.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir and SSP Ganderbal Nikhil Borkar, Camp Director Baltal, ADDC Ganderbal besides other officials from district administration, police and other security agencies were present on the occasion
The pilgrims were seen enthusiastically chanting religious hymns while moving forward towards the Holy Cave of Lord Shiva.
Pertinently, all requisite arrangements with regard to basic amenities, healthcare and security arrangements have been put in place at the base camps and enroute the Holy Cave for comfort and convenience of devotees who are thronging the region for their pious pilgrimage
Amarnath Yatra 2023: Quadcopters, NVDs, anti-drone teams, part of upgraded security system for both routes this year, says Army
‘Round the clock monitoring of both tracks; Special focus on quick evacuate in case of emergency; earth moving equipment already at forward areas; Mountain, Avalanche rescue teams on ready mode; in touch with locals for suggestions’
Umaiser Gul Ganai/ Raja Syed Rather
Pahalgam/Baltal, Jul 01 (KNO): The army Saturday said this year additional security facilities have been put in place with special focus on quick and effective response in case of any natural calamity while as quadcopters and night vision devices are being used for round the clock surveillance on both the routes.
Addressing presser at Pahalgam base camp, Commander 1 sector RR Amandeep Malhi said that additional facilities have been ensured this year for the smooth and peaceful Amarnath Pilgrimage.
“We have used quadcopters and nigh vision devices for 24×7 surveillance enroute cave shrine. Apart from the army, Central forces and police have been deployed on higher reaches. Every soldier has been briefed to ensure least inconvenience to locals during the Yatra period,” he said as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). He said Mountain and Avalanche rescue teams have been deployed to meet any eventuality. “This year, quick and effective response teams will ensure fast evacuation in case of any natural calamity,” he said, adding that this year army along with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), NDRF and SDRF conducted joint drills to ensure “timely response in case of any natural calamity.”
In another briefing at Baltal, 3 Sector Commander of army Atul Rajput a multi-level security grid has been put in place for the smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra. “Surveillance devices, Night Vision devices, anti-drone teams and bomb squads have been deployed along the route leading 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 already participated in the mock drills that includes mountain and avalanche rescue,” the army officer said, adding that keeping in view the last year’s natural calamity, earth moving equipment has already been placed at the forward areas. “We are in constant contact with the locals as they are the main stakeholders and their suggestions are valuable. This Yatra is another best time to showcase Kashmiriyat. The army will ensure the safe return of last pilgrim,” the army officer said—(KNO)
