Srinagar, June 15: ShriAmarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has issued does and don’ts for the intending Yatris for AmarnathYatra including compulsory health certificate issued by the authorized doctors.
“Yatris can register for Yatra 2024 through either offline mode (through designated bank branches of SBI, JK Bank, Yes Bank and PNB pan India) or Online Mode,” the board said.
The ShriAmarnathji Shrine Board has suggested yatris to walk 4-5 km daily, consult your doctor, exercise deep breathing and drink plenty of water etc. to prepare yourself for the Yatra.
“Please do not undertake your Yatra without proper shoes and woollen clothes and always carry Identity Card, registration Permit, RFID card, raincoat, Umbrella etc.,” it said.
As per the advisory said that persons aged more than 70 years and less than 13 years and women with 6 weeks pregnancy are not allowed to undertake pilgrimage.
“Please consult your doctor and get your health check-up done before embarking your journey and do not forget to carry your Registration Permit and RFID card,” the tips said.
“Please walk slowly while ascending, relax at regular intervals and descend immediately to lower elevation in case of any symptom of sickness, discomfort during the Yatra and seek nearby Medical Help,” the advisory said.
The board has also advised the yatris to keep their clothes and eatables in a suitable water proof bag to avoid your belongings getting wet.
“Women Yatris should avoid wearing Saree during trekking and should wear SalwarKameez, Pant-Shirt, Track suit or any recommended clothing suited for trekking on high altitude,” it said.
The yatris have been suggested to not to commence journey on an empty stomach and do not overexert during the Yatra beyond their normal capacity.
“During the Yatra, they should travel in groups with porters/horses/ponies and ensure that they remain in your sight and the fellow Yatris on the tracks,” it advised.
The intending pilgrims have been advised not to attempt any shortcuts, walk only on the track and never stop at places which are marked by warning signs.
“Please get police assistance and announcement made on the Public Address system immediately in case any member of your group is found missing,” it said.
The Holy Cave is located at around 12800 feet so the yatris should take precautions in view of high-altitude sickness and avoid overnight stay at Holy Cave adding that they should not ignore the symptoms of high-altitude sickness.
“They should not drink alcohol, caffeinated drink or smoke. Please do not throw used plastic bottles and other garbage in the open,” it said.
“Earth, water, air, fire and sky are integral parts of lord Shiva. Please respect the environment and do nothing whatsoever to pollute the Yatra area. Please perform Yatra with a pious mind and do not throw coins, notes, chunni etc. at the Holy Lingam,” it added.
As per Shrine Board, BSNL, JIO and Airtel SIM cards (Post-paid) will only work in Yatra area. However, they can purchase prepaid or pre-on post SIM cards at Baltal and Nunwan Base Camp.
As per officials, the Yatra is held in peak summer but because of very high altitudes the weather remains unpredictable as temperatures can fall, which is deleterious to health.
Officials associated with Yatra said there are some emergencies related to high altitude caused by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes including high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) and High altitude cerebral edema (HACE).
They said unless immediately managed, these sicknesses could be fatal and that it had made arrangements to manage emergencies including high-altitude emergencies.
