Shrine Board reviews ongoing Amarnathji Yatra

Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board met here today under the chairmanship of Governor N.N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of the Board. The meeting reviewed the ongoing Yatra and expressed satisfaction over the strenuous efforts made under the Governor's sustained direction for ensuring satisfactory management of the pilgrimage despite serious constraints arising from the heavy snowfalls in the preceding winter and bad weather for several weeks before the commencement of the current Yatra which commenced on 25th June 2012.

The Board Members, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Pt. Bhajan Sopori, Justice (Retd) G.D. Sharma, Dr. (Prof) Ved Kumari Ghai, Sunita Narain and Vijay Dhar visited the holy cave shrine early morning alongwith Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer of the Board, to pay obeisance and to inspect the arrangements made for the Yatris. The Board Members interacted with the Yatris and Doctors running the Medical Aid Centres (MACs) to review, the obtaining arrangements for providing suitable treatment to the Yatris.

The Board meeting, attended by the CEO and the Additional CEO, Preet Pal Singh, expressed satisfaction over the enlargement of the network for the Registration of pilgrims. The Board was informed that 4,07,815 pilgrims had secured Registration uptil 22nd July 2012 as against 2,59,897 Yatris during the entire Yatra 2011 in which 6.35 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the Shrine. The Board was further informed that as against 99,315 pilgrims who had secured On-Spot Registration during Yatra 2011 as many as 93,902 had secured On-Spot Registration up to 22nd July 2012 in the ongoing Yatra.

After detailed discussion, the Board observed that while the Registration process had gained considerable headway and a significantly higher percentage of the pilgrims were arriving only after procuring Registration based on Health Certificates, further efforts would be required to ensure that 100% pilgrims arrive after procuring Registration based on valid Health Certificates in future Yatras.

As regards the casualties suffered by pilgrims, the CEO reported that, on the basis of statistics being maintained by the Shrine Board, as uptil 23rd July evening 90 pilgrims had lost their lives, 84 due to medical reasons and 6 on account of accidents within the Yatra area. Besides, 22 pilgrims had lost their lives outside the Yatra area, of whom 18 were killed in accidents.

The Board was informed that consequent to the directions of the Supreme Court in a recent Suo Motu proceeding, the Governor, as Chairman Shrine Board, had nominated Sunita Narain, Director General, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi and Navin K. Choudhary, CEO, to represent the Shrine Board on the Special High Powered Committee (SHPC) established under the Supreme Court's order. Ms Narain will advise the SHPC on environmental issues.

The Board expressed grave concern and deep regret over Yatris losing their lives and desired the CEO to prepare a detailed critical report on the various contributory causes where after, as necessary, the Board may convene a Special Meeting to discuss this matter in full detail. The Board observed that while all necessary steps must be taken to ensure against loss of life in the coming years it is imperative to reckon the harsh climatic conditions of the high Himalayan altitudes through which the pilgrims have to trek. In this context the Board observed that the implications of early commencement of the Yatra would have to be seriously revisited.

The Board observed that more vigorous measures may require to be enforced to prevent the loss of pilgrims' lives.

The Board expressed satisfaction over the measures taken to ensure progressive improvement in sanitation and maintaining of cleanliness at all Camp locations and along the tracks. In this context, Chairman requested Sunita Narain to pay an early visit to the Yatra area, before the conclusion of the ongoing pilgrimage to review the sewage treatment at first hand and advise regarding further improvement.

Helicopter sorties being increased in Amarnath Yatra

SASB to deploy Addl Secy, SP level officers at all camp locations this year

 In order to ensure better facilities to the pilgrims and smooth conduct of annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine situated in the Himalayan range in the South Kashmir, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has decided to deploy Additional Secretary and Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers at all the eight camp locations and increase the number of helicopter sorties with slashed rates during the annual pilgrimage this year. Moreover, 100 Post Offices and 21 more branches of Yes Bank will provide registration facilities to the pilgrims across the country besides the already identified 100 branches of J&K Bank and 25 of Yes Bank.

This was disclosed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, Navin Choudhary in an exclusive interview to EXCELSIOR. "Since better coordination between all the agencies is imperative for smooth conduct of annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Shri Amarnath, it has been decided to deploy senior level officers of civil as well as police administration at all the camp locations this year", he said.

"Unlike last year arrangements whereby senior civil officers were coordinating from only Pahalgam, Baltal and cave area, the Board has decided to deploy Additional Secretary level officers of the civil administration and SP rank officer of Police administration at all the eight camp locations which include Holy Cave area, Panjtarni, Sheshnag, Baltal, Chandanwari and Poshpatri for enhanced coordination in civil as well as security matters", he informed, adding "apart from this, senior Shrine Board officers will be supervising the arrangements at all the locations for smooth conduct of pilgrimage and to ensure that pilgrims don’t face any sort of problem".

Responding to a question regarding helicopter service, the CEO of the Shrine Board said, "since the demand of air service is increasing every year, it has been decided to increase the number of sorties this year", adding "even the rates of the chopper service are being made more reasonable so that large number of pilgrims could avail this facility. The final decision in this regard is likely within a day or two".

Regarding the complaints during last year’s yatra about over-charging for chopper service, Navin Choudhary said, "though there is a transparent system in this regard yet the possibility of some pilgrims having been overcharged cannot be ruled out", adding "if any such complaint will come to the notice of Shrine Board, action will certainly be taken". He further said that since 50 per cent tickets remain available on-line, there are very little chances of over-charging.

About the registration facilities, the CEO said, "last year registration facility was available in 100 branches of Jammu and Kashmir and 25 of Yes Bank but this year the Board has decided to make this facility available at more places", adding "talks are going on with the Department of Posts for providing registration facility in 100 Post Offices across the country besides 21 more branches of Yes Bank".

Stating that final decision vis-à-vis 100 Post Offices would be taken within next one week, he said, "majority of these Post Offices will be in those area where there are neither J&K Bank nor Yes Bank branches, which have been identified for registration of pilgrims". With this, the registration facility would be double as compared to last year much to the benefit of intending pilgrims.

About the duration of yatra, Navin Choudhary said that it depends upon two major factors—date of Raksha Bandhan and track situation. "Though decision regarding 60 days yatra was taken several times in the past yet practically it could not continue for complete two months because of weather and track conditions. Sometimes it got delayed from Baltal and sometimes from Pahalgam", he further said.

Stating that duration of yatra fluctuates with the changing of Rakha Bandhan date and during the past several years yatra is starting by ending June, the CEO of Shrine Board said, "this year duration of yatra will be 39 days. It will start on June 25 and conclude on August 2", adding "as per the calendar of next year, the duration of yatra will be of 53 days in 2013 due to changing of Raksha Bandhan date".

"Moreover, Sub-Committee headed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and other eminent personalities has laid down guidelines in this regard and the same are being strictly adhered to", he said.

To a question, he said, "though massive snowfall was experienced this year as compared to previous year yet we will continuously monitor the melting of snow and if it melts faster we will start yatra prior to the finalized date", adding "Pooja will be formally performed on June 4 at a location where we would be able to reach to symbolize the start of yatra".

About the comprehensive report of the High Level Committee, the CEO said that report has been accepted by the Shrine Board as well as State Government, adding that some of the recommendations will be implemented before this year’s yatra and remaining before next year’s pilgrimage.

According to Navin Choudhary, the suggestions are relating to improvement of track, better provision of electricity, drinking water, better sanitation, shelter and gated complex at Chandanwari and Domel etc.

Regarding the implementation of directions of Division Bench of State High Court, he said, "we are already taking care of unfortunate deaths during the pilgrimage and will do our utmost in this regard", adding "we are also committed to provide railing at the vulnerable places for the convenience of the pilgrims".

He informed that around 500 oxygen gas cylinders would be kept at the camp locations for the convenience of pilgrims besides sufficient medicines. "We are printing pamphlets to provide information about do’s and don’ts to the intending pilgrims so that they don’t face any problem during pilgrimage".

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Amarnath Shrine Board Politicized

Alleging blatant politicisation of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), BJP National Executive Member and State Chief Spokesperson Dr. Jitendra Singh has accused the SASB of having surrendered its autonomous character to serve the political interests of NC led Government. He held out a strong word of caution against misguided decision to curtail the duration of Amarnath Yatra to just 39 days this year and demanded reconstitution of Shrine Board with new members selected strictly on basis of stipulated criteria.

Dr. Jitendra expressed surprise that even though the SASB is officially not under control of political administration with Governor as its chairman, over the last few years there is a systemic design to tamper with the conduct of Amarnath Yatra with the ulterior motive to appease the separatists for the benefit of Kashmir-centric so-called mainstream political parties including NC.

Dr. Singh warned against playing with the religious sentiments of people at the risk of disturbing peace in the region and said political parties which accuse BJP of divisive politics are infact themselves dividing the society in the name of religion. He said even on merit, there is no rationale for curtailment of the Yatra period. On the other hand, he said, the limited period of Yatra will pose the logistic problem of handling more than two thousand pilgrims every day.

Strongly advocating the opening of Amarnath Yatra for throughout the year like other religious yatras across the country, Dr. Singh cited scientific evidence from geologists that May to September is suitable weather for Amarnath Yatra while in case of bad weather during other parts of year, there can be provision for appropriate weather forecasts and the yatra can also be temporarily suspended.

Quoting mythological references, Dr. Singh said the period between Jyeshatha Purnima and Raksha Bandhan is auspicious for Charri Mubarak and for the rest of year there is no bar to undertake a trek across the route.

Instead of tempering with the Yatra period every year and kicking up a conflict situation, He suggested that the SASB under Governor would do well to concentrate on improving the Yatra arrangements with timely snow clearing of both the routes and adequate medical aid at base camp as well as enroute.

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Amarnath pilgrims will now need to carry medical certificate

With many Amarnath-bound pilgrims losing their lives due to health problems, the board managing the yatra has decided that devotees will now onwards produce a medical certificate at the time of registration.

The decision to this effect was taken a high-level meeting of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra last evening, an official spokesperson said.

During the meeting, loss of life of pilgrims due to cardiac arrest was discussed.

“The Board noted that a growingly large number of pilgrims have been losing their lives during the pilgrimage, particularly due to cardiac related ailments. As many as 45, 68 and 107 people had lost their lives in 2009, 2010 and 2011 Yatras, respectively.

“In this context, the Board observed that time had come to consider a more effective approach and decide that every person seeking registration to undertake the yatra must furnish a health certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).

“The Board noted that the enforcement of such a pre-condition had also been advised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA),” the spokesperson said.

This year, the yatra will be for 37 days beginning from June 25 and will conclude on August two coinciding with Raksha Bandhan as has been recommended by a sub-committee of SASB headed by Sri Sri Ravi Shanker.

The Board further directed that all possible efforts should be made, in coordination with all concerned agencies, to make a timely assessment to determine whether it would be feasible to consider advancing the Yatra by a few days, prior to June 25.

“Consequent to detailed deliberations, the Board accepted the recommendations of the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sub-Committee and directed the CEO of the Board to timely commence the registration of pilgrims and ensure the effective management of the Yatra which would commence on June 25 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August two,” the spokesperson said.

Referring to the helicopter services from Pahalgam to Panjtarni, which were started in 2009 on experimental basis for about two weeks before conclusion of yatra, the Board said heli services had been gainfully utilised by over 5000 yatris every year during the 2010 and 2011 yatras.

The CEO informed that fresh contractual arrangements for the helicopter services from Baltal and Pahalgam to Panjtarni are being worked out and the schedules and rates would be notified shortly, the spokesman said.

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Buda Amarnath Yatra 2011

The 13 day long Buda Amarnath yatra was inaugurated at Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar here today. The yatra, which will start from here tomorrow will culminate on Sawan Purnima full Moon coinciding with Raksha Bandhan festival on August 13 at Buda Amarnath temple in Mandi Poonch.

A large number of people including leaders and activists of VHP, Bajrang Dal and Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas were present on the occasion.

The function started with Maha Yagya and flag hoisting ceremony. Later addressing a gathering the VHP national secretary and spokesperson, Dr Surinder Jain said that his organization wants that Buda Amarnath should also gain countrywide popularity like Swami Amarnath yatra.

He said Swami Amarnath yatra has become popular throughout the country and every Hindu is associated with it. The VHP and BD want that the Buda Amarnath yatra should be run on the same pattern, he added.

He said the Buda Amarnath yatra was running from centuries together but after the militancy gripped the State in 1989-90, this yatra was stopped in the wake of migration of Hindus from Poonch villages. Later Bajrang Dal took a challenge in 2005 to run this yatra and since then the Buda Amarnath yatra is running smoothly.

He said last year over 1.5 lakh pilgrims from different parts of country perform darshan at Buda Amarnath and it is expected that the number will increase this year.

Dr Jain stressed on revival of all religious yatras in J&K and urged the Government to take effective steps in this regard. He said in case the Government faces any problem in reviving these yatras the BD will provide all assistance and cooperation to it.

Stressing on Niyas and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) cooperation he said, the Board should not side track Niyas and any controversy on yatra should be avoided.

The BJP MLA from Nagrota, Jugal Kishore Sharma was special guest on the occasion. While the function among others was attended by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr Pawan Kotwal, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma, Director Health Services, Jammu Dr Madhu Khullar, SSP Jammu, Anant Jain, Drug Controller, Dr Satish Gupta, BD national convener, Subash Chauhan, co-convener Rajesh Pandey, VHP state president Dr Rama Kant Dubey, BABAYN chief Surinder Mohan Aggarwal and others

Pratham poojan Amarnath Yatra on June 15

SASB, Niyas reach agreement

Pratham poojan enroute holy cave on June 15

The Pratham Poojan will be organized at a suitable location in the yatra area of holy Amarnath cave on Jesht Purnima falling on June 15.

An agreement to this effect was reached between Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas (BABAYN) in their joint meeting here today.

Chief Executive Officer of the Board, R K Goyal and Dineshwar Singh Jamwal, convener of the Niyas signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.

The agreement said that the pooja will be restricted to four persons only-- two representing the Board and two from Niyas. They will travel to the venue of the Pooja and back by the helicopter arranged by the Board.

With signing of this agreement, the stalemate over the Amarnath yatra has ended.

The both parties, as per agreement, have decided to constitute a Sub Committee during the next meeting of the Board on July 22 at Srinagar. The Committee which will be chaired by a Board member will be comprising of eminent religious persons, and also persons having knowledge and experience in the field of security, management, environment protection and other relevant areas would hear all the interested parties including Niyas and it would advise the Board regarding the duration and schedule of future yatras.

During the meeting it was revealed by the representatives of the Board that SASB and all concerned organizations are actively engaged in the clearance of snow on the yatra route and at the enroute camp locations.

The meeting was also informed that various efforts are underway to ensure that all yatra related arrangements are completed well in time so as to enable the Board to commence the yatra as soon as the arrangements are in place.

The agreement said Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and all concerned organizations are actively engaged in the clearance of snow on the yatra route and at the locations enroute. Vigorous efforts are underway to ensure that all yatra related arrangements are got completed well in time so as to enable to Board to commence the yatra as soon as the arrangements are in place.

Earlier in the day, a high level State Government committee headed by Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Devender Rana and comprising Principal Secretary Home, BR Sharma, Director General of Police (DGP), Kuldeep Khoda and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister BB Vyas reached here from Srinagar to facilitate the talks and resolve the deadlock between the Shrine Board and the Niyas.

Late tonight, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he was really pleased with his team that went to Jammu and talked to the Amarnath Niyas.

BABAYN to commence yatra on June 14

Baba Amarnath Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas, (BABAYN) a conglomeration of several social, trade and religious organizations, today said it will march to the Amarnath cave on June 14, fortnight before the date announced by the shrine board, and claimed that over 40,000 pilgrims have registered with it.

Niyas dared the state government to "interfere in their programme." The conglomeration is not happy with the shorter yatra period - between June 29 and August 13, which was announced by Governor-headed Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).

President of BAN Surinder Mohan Aggarwal said the organisation will head as per the schedule and will perform a yagya on June 13 at Ranvireshwar temple here before leaving for the holy cave.

"Although we have not received any intimation from the government so far, but our doors will always remain open for any consultations pertaining the date of the yatra," he said.

Aggarwal said "SASB has no control over the fixation of dates and said that their role is limited only to the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage."

He also maintained that if the government does not provide security to their march to the holy cave, the Niyas will make all the arrangements for the yatra themselves.

SASB Niyas meeting over yatra

The meeting between the Chief Executive Officer Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) R K Goyal and representatives of the Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas (BABAYN) to reach a settlement on the yatra date to holy cave ended into a dead lock as both sides stuck to their respective stands.

Today's meeting was a follow up of the meeting held by the office bearers of Niyas with Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal on June 4.

According to insiders in the meeting Mr Goyal maintained that the yatra could not be taken before the June 29 the date fixed by the Board as the preparations have not been made and the tracks from both Pahalgam and Baltal sides would not be ready for trekking of pilgrims by then.

However the members of the Niyas were adamant to take the yatra on Jesht Purnima falling on June 15 as per tradition. They accused the Board of starting the work on clearance of track late and this will delay in snow clearance.

The members of the Niyas showed their total adamancy in flagging off the first batch of yatra from Jammu on June 14 to have the darshan on June 15.

Besides Mr Goyal the Divisional Commissioner, Dr Pawan Kotwal and IGP Jammu, Dilbagh Singh were also present in the meeting while the representatives of the Niyas included Dinishwar Singh, Dr V K Gupta, Karan Singh Charak, Shakti Dutt Sharma and Rajesh Gupta.