Preparations for iconic Amarnath Yatra begin in Jammu

Jammu: Amarnath Yatra preparations have intensified amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, a high-level meeting chaired by Jammu’s Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma indicated that the 15-day yatra would continue. Keeping in mind with the guidelines of the COVID-19, the yatra will start from the last week of July and will have a limited number of devotees.

All pilgrims participating in the yatra will undergo a COVID-19 test. Considering the ongoing crisis of coronavirus, in addition to the Baltal track priority is being given to travel by air.

The officials concerned have been instructed to make all the preparations for the journey in advance. Bhagwati Nagar, a base camp functioning as COVID-19 hospital, is being prepared for people. It can accommodate up to 1500 people at a time.

The tests will be done for all the passengers coming for the yatra. Only if a person tests negative, will be be sent to visit Baba Barfani. 

Recently, Bhagwati Nagar, the base camp of the Amarnath Yatra was made a quarantine centre due to increasing coronavirus infection in Jammu and Kashmir, after which it was changed to COVID-19 hospital as the number of patients increased. 

Orders to sanitise the base camp  

Due to the increasing crisis of COVID-19 contagion, “Yatri Nivas Bhavan” which is a base camp of Amarnath yatra in Jammu was made a quarantine centre. But now it is going to be made ready for pilgrims. Authorities have ordered to sanitise the place and have asked to make it good for accommodation. Jammu city’s Deputy Mayor Puraniya Sharma told, “From Jammu Municipal Corporation to Yatri Nivas Bhavan area was sanitised. Our employees will be on 24 hours duty until the yatra gets over.”