Temporary restrictions imposed on travelling to Amarnath

Taking serious note of reports that people are trying to reach the Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas despite the dangers en route due to melting glaciers, authorities today imposed restriction on travelling from Sonamarg to Baltal in Ganderbal district.

Taking serious note of reports that people are trying to reach the Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas despite the dangers en route due to melting glaciers, authorities today imposed restriction on travelling from Sonamarg to Baltal in Ganderbal district.

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The restrictions under section 144 have been imposed by the District Magistrate Ganderbal Abdul Majid Khanday in view of apprehensions of threat to life and property of the pilgrims due to melting glaciers and other hazards which are yet to be cleared from the yatra track, an official spokesman said.

He said the arrangements of drinking water and healthcare are also not available on this route as yet.

The restrictions will remain in force till further orders, the spokesman said.

Government has not yet decided the date for commencement of the yatra but it is expected that the two-month yatra to the 3,880 metre high holy cave will start next month.

Baltal, which serves as the base camp for the pilgrimage, is the shortest route to the holy cave.