Srinagar, July 2: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra formally commenced on Thursday as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu amid elaborate security arrangements.
Figures revealed that a total of 4,822 pilgrims departed from Jammu in a 259-vehicle convoy for the twin base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam.
A total of 2,510 pilgrims are travelling via the traditional Pahalgam route, while 2,312 have opted for the shorter Baltal route. The first batch comprises 3,707 male pilgrims, 816 female pilgrims, 16 children, 246 sadhus and 37 sadhvis.
The convoy includes 106 buses, 39 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 111 light motor vehicles (LMVs) and three two-wheelers.
Officials said the Baltal-bound convoy left Bhagwati Nagar at 6:10 a.m., followed by the Pahalgam-bound convoy at 6:35 a.m. Both convoys were escorted by security personnel under multi-layered security arrangements.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his best wishes to the pilgrims and said comprehensive arrangements have been made to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.
He said adequate security, healthcare, sanitation, accommodation and other essential facilities have been put in place for the yatris.
The pilgrims are expected to reach the Kashmir Valley later in the day before proceeding to the Baltal and Nunwan base camps, from where they will undertake the onward journey to the holy cave shrine as per the scheduled programme. (KNO)
