Srinagar: Amidst preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, the Election Commission has announced the schedule, prompting political parties to kickstart their campaign efforts. Simultaneously, the duration of the Amarnath Yatra has been shortened, slated to last for 45 days instead of the usual two months.

A crucial meeting chaired by Amarnath Shrine Board Chairman and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was convened at Raj Bhavan, with all members in attendance. The registration process for the Yatra is set to commence on April 15, with health certificates to be issued to passengers at designated hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir. To ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience, up to 10,000 pilgrims will be permitted to embark on the journey daily via the traditional Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Additionally, offline passenger registration is available at over 500 bank branches nationwide.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to unfold in seven phases, commencing from April 19 and concluding on June 1. With voting distributed across various states and union territories in each phase, results are expected to be announced on June 4.

Efforts are underway to enhance facilities for Amarnath Yatra devotees, with construction projects in progress in Srinagar to accommodate passengers. Addressing challenges posed by the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to inclement weather during the yatra, meticulous arrangements are being made to accommodate thousands of passengers en route from Jammu to Srinagar. Last year's yatra witnessed a record number of devotees paying homage to Baba Barfani, underscoring the importance of adequate infrastructure and arrangements for the upcoming pilgrimage.

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