Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday visited the Pantha Chowk transit camp in Srinagar to review the ongoing arrangements for pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025.

Taking to the social media platform, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Reviewed the progress of construction work for the Office and Yatri Niwas of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, earlier today.”

The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 this year, simultaneously from both routes—the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The Yatra will culminate on August 9, coinciding with the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.

Specifying the rules and regulations for the Yatra, Anil Sharma, Circle Head of PNB Circle Jammu, said that no pregnant women, and no individuals below 13 or above 70 years of age, would be allowed to participate, even if they possess a valid medical certificate.

“Those below 13 years and above 70 years of age will not be permitted for this Yatra by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, even if they have a mandatory medical certificate. Pregnant women will also not be permitted, even if they produce a medical certificate,” Sharma added.

The dates for the Yatra were announced by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on March 5 during the 48th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan.

Considering the anticipated increase in the number of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, the meeting discussed measures to enhance lodging capacity at centres in Jammu, Srinagar, and other locations. It also addressed the operationalisation of Yatri facilitation centres for e-KYC, issuance of RFID cards, and on-the-spot registration of pilgrims at several locations, including Nowgam and Katra railway stations.

Reviewing the progress on various ongoing works undertaken by the line departments, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to ensure adequate arrangements and necessary amenities at various locations along the Yatra route.

(ANI)