Despite inclement weather conditions, 4821 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Baltal route still remains inaccessible due to bad weather; however, pilgrims are continuing the yatra through the Pahalgam route. Helicopter services are operational on both routes, the CEO of the Amarnath Shrine said in a statement.
Till date, 73023 yatris have visited the ‘Shivling’ at the holy cave.
Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner (Jammu) said adequate arrangements have been made for the pilgrims visiting the place.
“Pilgrims staying in lodgement centres have been given adequate facilities. Our focus is on sanitation and cleanliness. Now there are at least 10,000 pilgrims in these centres. All pilgrims are safe and secure here,” he said.
On the other hand, on directions of Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, evacuation and rescue operations were launched earlier in the day to evacuate stranded Yatris from Panjtarni to Baltal.
Three Indian Air Force MI-17 Helicopters are being used for this purpose.
Nearly two lakh pilgrims from across the country have reportedly registered themselves for the Yatra.
Security measures have been taken keeping in mind the ceasefire violations from across the border and various other terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
