Kashmir is likely to witness the highest footfall of pilgrims visiting the Amarnath cave shrine this year, as the registration for the annual pilgrimage commenced across the country on Monday, officials said. “This year the Amarnath Yatra will be one of the biggest yatras in the history of J&K as around 6-8 lakh pilgrims are expected to arrive on the pilgrimage,” Apurva Chand secretary of Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in Srinagar on Monday. He said this year’s Amarnath yatra is expected to be much bigger and better than before. “It will be twice the size than ever before. The arrangements will also be twice the size than previous years. Be it the drinking water, lodging, or sanitation, the whole administration is equipped to welcome a large number of pilgrims,” he said. The yatra, which is held from the twin routes of Sonamarg and Pahalgam in the Valley, is reopening for pilgrims after a gap of three years. The pilgrimage was halted midway in 2019 following the Centre’s move to end J&K’s special constitutional position. Subsequently, the two waves of pandemic disallowed the authorities to resume the pilgrimage. Mr. Chand, who met the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, said, “All the necessary arrangements have been put in place.” He said the improved security arrangement was reflected in the number of tourists visiting the Valley and the security agencies were also working on the security apparatus for the yatra. “Hotels, houseboats and lodges are booked in advance. It signifies a good security atmosphere,” Mr. Chand said. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is planning to prepare a short documentary on Amarnath Yatra and tourist places of Kashmir. “We will widely circulate that documentary across the country and outside,” he said.
