Jammu: Governor Satya Pal Malik, Chairman of the Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), presided over the 36th Board Meeting held today at Raj Bhavan, Jammu.
Regarding the duration and date of commencement of Yatra 2019, based on the approach set out by the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Committee, which had been set up to advise the Board regarding the duration and schedule of future Yatras, the Board, keeping in view the foremost concern of the safety and security of the pilgrims, decided that a 46 day Yatra would commence on 1st July, 2019.
The Board deliberated at length on the number of Yatris who would be allowed to register, date-wise and route-wise, for this year’s Yatra. Considering the carrying capacity of the existing tracks and other available infrastructure in the Yatra area, the Board decided that 7,500 Yatris, per day per each of the two routes, excluding Yatris who would travel by helicopters, would be allowed to secure Advance Registration for the pilgrimage.
Board noted the steps taken by CEO for the registration of pilgrims through 440 designated branches of Punjab National Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank and YES Bank, located in 32 States and UTs, and directed him to take all required steps to commence Advance Registration of pilgrims w.e.f. from 1st April 2019. The Board approved proposal for Online Registration of limited number of intending pilgrims per day on pilot basis which will be in addition to the existing modes of Registration.
Board further directed wide publicity be given through the electronic and print media, informing the intending Yatris to timely secure the prescribed Compulsory Health Certificates issued by the Doctors/ Hospitals nominated by the State or UTs in which they reside and only thereafter proceed to seek Advance Registration from the nearest located designated Bank which would issue the pilgrim a Yatra Permit which shall be valid for the specified date and route.
The Board directed CEO to take timely steps for ensuring uninterrupted telecom connectivity in the Yatra area during Yatra 2019. Appreciating the important services rendered by the Langar Organizations, the Board looked to their continued support during Yatra 2018.