‘Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2011'
commences simultaneously from
Baltal and Pahalgam
Helicopter Service flags-off for
Panjtarni from Baltal and Pahalgam
Srinagar (Kashmir), June 29 - The Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2011 to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji in the Kashmir Himalayas commenced today from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes simultaneously.
The Governor, Shri N. N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Usha Vohra, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Mr. R. K. Goyal paid obeisance at the Sanctum Sanctorum and performed pooja amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras along with a number of Yatris.
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The Governor during his visit to the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji early in the morning also reviewed the overall arrangements made for Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2011 and expressed satisfaction at the support extended by the Jammu & Kashmir State Government, Army, State Police, Central Para Military Forces and other agencies. He stressed the need for effective supervision and monitoring on continuing basis, for ensuring smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
The Governor visited Baltal Base Camp as well as Pahalgam and Chandanwari and reviewed the Yatra-related arrangements. He interacted with the Yatris at the Holy Cave, Baltal, Pahalgam and Chandanwari and enquired about the arrangements. The Yatris seem satisfied with the arrangements made by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the State Government agencies and other service providers and thanked them for facilitating their pilgrimage.
On this occasion, the Minister for Forests, Jammu & Kashmir flagged-off the Helicopter services from Baltal to Panjtarni, while the Minister for Tourism and Minister of State for Tourism launched the Helicopter services from Pahalgam to Panjtarni in the presence of the Governor.
CEO of the Shrine Board on this occasion informed that the one way Heli-fare for Baltal-Panjtarni and Pahalgam-Panjtarni has been fixed at Rs.2425/- and Rs.3450/-, respectively. Children, in the age group of 2-12 years, will be required to pay half the aforesaid prices. He further disclosed that from Panjtarni to the Holy Cave, a hilly track of about 6 kms, the Yatris may travel on foot or by Ponies or Palkies.
This year’s Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which commenced from Baltal and Pahalgam this morning, will conclude on Raksha Bandhan on 13th August, 2011. The registration of the Yatris for this year’s Yatra had commenced on 10th May, 2011, through 149 designated Bank Branches, located all over the country.
Meanwhile, the CEO has once again appealed to the intending Shri Amarnathji Yatris to embark on the pilgrimage only after obtaining, in their own interest, a valid Yatra Permit. This would ensure against any avoidable inconvenience to them. The CEO reiterated that Yatris not possessing valid Yatra Permits will not be allowed to proceed on the Yatra beyond the Nunwan and Baltal Base Camps.
The Board has also issued a detailed advisory of Do’s and Don’ts for the Yatris visiting the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji, which had been printed on the reverse of the Yatra Permit. The Yatris need to strictly adhere to these Do’s and Don’ts as they have to undertake an arduous trek through high mountains with adverse weather conditions.
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