Jammu, June 27:
In preparation for the annual Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has made extensive arrangements for the accommodation of over 50,000 pilgrims across the Jammu region. These include the establishment of 106 lodgment centres and enhanced security measures to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage.
This was confirmed by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, while addressing a press conference today.
“A total of 106 lodgment centres have been set up for the Amarnath pilgrims across the Jammu region,” Kumar said. “These facilities have been established by the district administrations of Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Udhampur, and Ramban in coordination with police and other concerned departments.”
To further support the pilgrims, Kumar informed that community kitchens (langars) have been established with the help of voluntary organizations in the same districts, ensuring that pilgrims receive free meals during their journey.
“From Lakhanpur to Banihal, boarding and lodging arrangements have been made to accommodate more than 50,000 yatris,” he added.
Sanitation facilities, including toilets and waste management systems, have also been put in place at all lodgment centres, ensuring hygienic conditions for the pilgrims. In Jammu city, additional boarding and lodging centres have been set up with support from various social organisations.
To streamline the registration process, Kumar said that in addition to regular registration counters, a tatkal (on-the-spot) registration facility will also be available at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. This service will function under a daily quota and be available at five designated registration centres.
Pilgrims will be issued RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) cards upon registration. These cards can be collected at entry points in Lakhanpur, Samba, Jammu, Chanderkote, and Banihal, Kumar said.
Addressing the movement of pilgrims, he clarified that all yatris, including those traveling in private vehicles, will be included in the official Yatra convoy once they complete the necessary formalities. Private vehicles associated with the Yatra will also be allowed to proceed under full security cover.
