Famous Amarnath Cave Yatra 2008

June 14, 2008 - PRLog -- In a major decision to regulate tourist and pilgrim movement to Pahalgam and to the base camp of Shri Amarnath Yatra at Nunwan,  the Serbal security check post will be relocated near Nunwan and the usual tourist traffic diverted to Pahalgam via circuit road.

This was announced by   Chief Execuitive Officer ( CEO) Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, Dr Arun  Kumar at a joint meeting of various departments and representatives of hoteliers at Pahalgam this morning.It was stated that the booth would be established near the checkpoint to serve as an information counter regarding availability of accommodation in the picturesque valley for desirous pilgrims. Pilgrims will be totally free to decide as to whether they wish to stay in Pahalgam hotels or in the Nunwan camp

The CEO said that with this measure the domestic holidayers and tourists from outside the State can visit Pahalgam even during the yatra period without any obstacle. The measure will boost the occupancy of Pahalgam hotels even when schools re-open in the rest of the country after the summer vacations.

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"We want pilgrims to stay anywhere they like. In fact, the Shrine Board is not averse to shifting of the Nunwan base camp to its traditional and ancient location of Sadhu Paraw, ahead of Pahalgam that will be beneficial for all, the hoteliers, craft dealers and local traders'', Dr Kumar said, hoping that the concerned departments will take initiative in this regard right from now. The district administration assured that shifting of the camp ahead of Pahalgam is under active consideration.
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Dr Kumar emphasized the importance of the base camp at Pahalgam, saying that in the event of bad weather when the yatra is stopped for two or three days, necessary infrastructure for accommodating accumulated pilgrims becomes a vital necessity. He reiterated that the Board has always been endeavouring to let maximum benefits of the yatra percolate to the local people. It is in this regard that the assistance of the locals is being solicited in manning the management of temporary hutments and carrying out various utility services.He hoped that the district administration will strictly adhere to the ban of polythene in the Yatra area and take action against violators. On its part, he said, the Shrine Board has evolved a mechanism of paper packing for distribution of Prasad, which is being produced locally by a villager of Gandeshpora by making use of local ingredients like almond and walnut.

To the vehement demand of hoteliers that helicopter service be launched from Pahalgam also, the CEO said that it might not be a viable proposition for the operators. However, he agreed with their suggestion of taking up the issue with heli-operators by the association itself and said, "we will be happy if such a service is started at least from Pahalgam to Sheshnag"

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Muneer Khan spelt out the measures being taken for regulating tourist cum pilgrim traffic. He said that      police teams have been deployed at various points including the Cave Shrine to stop devotees from going on pilgrimage before the official commencement of the yatra.        

Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag Jaipal Singh said that work on the relocated security checkpoint will be completed soon. He stressed the need for close coordination between various agencies and the Shrine Board to ensure smooth yatra.

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Website: www.travelchacha.com/yatra/amarnath-yatra.htm