Amarnath Yatra 2023: Authorities Gear Up For Pilgrimage, Security Heightened — Watch

Preparations for the highly anticipated Amarnath Yatra are in full swing in Jammu, as authorities gear up for the month-long pilgrimage starting from July 1 to August 31.

Preparations for the much-anticipated Amarnath Yatra are well underway in Jammu, with authorities preparing for the month-long pilgrimage, which will take place from July 1 to August 31. Jammu Deputy Commissioner Avny Lavasa confirmed the city's readiness to serve as the Yatra's first base camp. Lavasa announced that Yatri Niwas had received critical repairs, and that designated community centres had been established for the pilgrims' convenience. Lavasa assured that comprehensive arrangements, including robust security measures, have been put in place in the event of adverse weather conditions impeding the Yatra.

Talking about the preparations and arrangements made by the administration, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said: "The Amarnath Yatra will be underway for 62 days, this shows that the government is confident enough to conduct Amarnath Yatra for such a long duration. A huge number of devotees are going to come for Amarnath Yatra this year," ANI quoted him as saying. 

READ | Adequate Oxygen Cylinders, Air Service At Night: Amit Shah Reviews Amarnath Yatra Preparations

At a high-level meeting in the national capital on Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra, directing that adequate security arrangements be made to ensure a comfortable pilgrimage for the pilgrims.

Shah directed that adequate security arrangements be made along the entire route of the 62-day Amarnath Yatra, which will begin on July 1 and end on August 31.

Shah also emphasised the importance of smooth arrangements "from the airport and railway station to the yatra base camp, and directed to provide night air service from Srinagar and Jammu for the convenience of the pilgrims." The Home Minister later directed that sufficient oxygen cylinders be kept on hand and that they be refilled, as well as that additional teams of doctors be made available.

He also directed the deployment of an adequate number of medical beds as well as ambulances and helicopters to respond to any medical emergency. Shah directed that all necessary amenities for Amarnath Yatris be provided, including transportation, lodging, electricity, water, communication, and health care.