Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir: To ensure the smooth and safe movement of pilgrims and other travelers during the holy Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police have released a special advisory for National Highway-44. This advisory includes cut-off times and guidelines for convoy and non-convoy vehicles.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Traffic (NH-44), Rohit Baskotra, provided detailed instructions for managing traffic during the Yatra. "After the Amarnath Yatra convoy departs in the morning, non-convoy vehicles on NH-44 must cross Nagrota by noon, Jikhaini Udhampur by 1 pm, Chandrakot Ramban by 2 pm, and Banihal by 3 pm. After these times, they will not be permitted to proceed," he explained. "If vehicles miss these cut-off times, they will be held at the specified locations and allowed to continue the next day. These measures are designed to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims."
A traffic police checkpoint has been established on NH-44 to ensure the safety of the Amarnath Yatris and to manage the traffic flow effectively.
Early this morning, another group of Amarnath pilgrims departed from the Panthachowk Srinagar base camp. One devotee shared his excitement, saying, "We are embarking on the Amarnath Yatra through Pahalgam. The facilities are excellent, and we feel very secure and safe. Everything, from food to accommodation, is well arranged."
To support the Yatra, the Udhampur Health Department has deployed five mobile medical teams (ambulances) along the route from Tikri to the Chenani Nashri Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. "This initiative aims to provide immediate medical assistance to pilgrims in case of emergencies during their journey," said Dr. Anil Manhas, Chief Medical Officer, Udhampur. These ambulances, equipped with medical staff and supplies, will be stationed at strategic points to handle various medical situations. In severe cases, patients will be transported to designated referral centers, including the Associated Hospital Government Medical College Udhampur, Primary Health Centre Tikri, Community Health Centre Chenani, and Primary Health Centre Majalta.
Dr. Manhas also noted that 20 beds have been reserved at the Associated Hospital Medical College Udhampur, with 10 beds each at the Primary Health Centre Tikri, Community Health Centre Chenani, and Primary Health Centre Majalta, to accommodate pilgrims needing hospitalization. This proactive deployment by the Udhampur Health Department highlights their commitment to the safety and well-being of all Amarnath Yatra participants.
On Friday, the Baltal area in the Ganderbal district, part of the Amarnath Yatra route, experienced rain on the seventh day of the pilgrimage. Conducted by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Amarnath Yatra offers two routes: one through Pahalgam and the other via Baltal, which serves as the camping ground for pilgrims. According to the Srinagar Meteorological Department, Pahalgam recorded a maximum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius on July 5.
This year's Amarnath Yatra began on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, lasting 52 days. Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this challenging annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine located in the Kashmir Himalayas in July-August.
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