Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 27 (NT): The first batch of Amarnath pilgrims reached Udhampur on Wednesday morning. They were welcomed by locals and officers of the district administration.

The Yatra flagged off earlier today amid tight security arrangements made by the Central Reserve Police Force along with the army and the local police.

"All security arrangements have been made. We have cross-checked every contingency. We're using latest technology and vehicles, and manpower has been increased as compared to last year," A V Chauhan, Inspector General CRPF Jammu Sector informed ANI.

The security forces have made new additional arrangements, such as RIFD (radio frequency identification) to track the vehicles and put off them from getting lost. Bike ambulances have also been introduced for prompt first aid or medical assistance.

From there onwards, the pilgrims will begin their journey to the 3,880 metre high cave holy place by foot on Thursday.

Earlier Abhay Vir Chauhan, Inspector General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu Sector, held a meeting of senior officials deployed in the region here to analysis the efficiency of security arrangement for the Yatra.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat also visited Baltal Base Camp for  evaluation of security arrangements for the Yatra on Monday.

On a related note till now nearly two lakh pilgrims from across the country have reportedly registered themselves for the Yatra.