Safety and Security Measures Highlighted as Amarnath Yatra Registrations Recover

Addressing the press, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha discussed the Amarnath Yatra, particularly addressing the impact of a recent incident in Pahalgam on registrations. Registrations briefly dipped after the April 22 incident, but Sinha expressed a positive outlook, expecting numbers to rise. Initial registrations reached 2.36 lakh. Post-incident registrations have exceeded 85,000. Last year, over 5.12 lakh pilgrims participated. This year, the turnout is down by 10.19%. Safety remains a priority, with helicopter services suspended. The Baltal and Chandanwari-Pahalgam tracks have been improved. Permanent hospitals and additional medical teams are in place. An RFID-based tracking system will be used. Security is provided by multiple agencies. Private vehicle pilgrims are encouraged to join convoys. The 44-day Yatra is scheduled to end on August 15.