Indian Army Commander Assesses Security, Readiness for Amarnath Yatra 2023

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Army's Chinar Corps, conducted a review of security and operational preparedness for the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. The pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 1 and conclude on August 31 this year. Lt Gen Ghai was accompanied by commanders of the counter-insurgency Kilo and Victor forces during the review.

“#ChinarCorpsCdr Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai reviewed the security & operational preparedness along both the Northern & Southern routes for #Amarnathyatra2023 today. The Corps Cdr was accompanied by GOsC of CIF Kilo & Victor who briefed on the multi-tiered security set up, medical setup, emergency response mechanism & other infrastructure development for the successful conduct of the #Yatra,” Chinar Corps said on Twitter.

The Army Commander received a briefing on the comprehensive security arrangements, medical facilities, emergency response mechanisms, and infrastructure development for the successful conduct of the yatra. The Chinar Corps stated on Twitter that Lt Gen Ghai reviewed the security and operational preparedness along both the Northern and Southern routes for the Amarnath Yatra.

The 60-day pilgrimage to the holy cave at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the south Kashmir Himalayas will commence simultaneously from the Pahalgam track in the Anantnag district and Baltal in the Ganderbal district. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) announced that live telecasts of morning and evening prayers will be made available for devotees worldwide. Additionally, an official mobile app has been launched to provide real-time information about the Yatra, weather updates, and online services.

In a health advisory issued by the SASB, more than 40 food items have been banned for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Pilgrims have been advised to maintain physical fitness by walking at least 5 kilometers a day. The banned food items include heavy and fried dishes, fast food items like pizza and burgers, cream-based foods, pickles, and fried papads. The advisory recommends healthier alternatives such as cereals, pulses, green vegetables, salads, and a few rice dishes for the well-being of the devotees.

Overall, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai's review of security and operational preparedness highlights the Army's commitment to ensuring a safe and successful Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage. The implementation of comprehensive security measures, medical arrangements, and infrastructure development, along with the promotion of healthier food choices, aims to enhance the overall experience and well-being of the devotees participating in the pilgrimage.

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