Northern Army Commander reviews preparations, security for Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar : Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Upendera Dwivedi Monday reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Amarnath Yatra 2023 that will commence on 01 July onwards for a duration of two months.

The Amarnath Yatra takes place annually via two routes through Baltal in Ganderbal and the Pehalgam in Anantnag district.

In a statement issued here to news agency, defence spokesman in Jammu said that the Army Commander inspected the arrangements on both the routes where he was briefed on the multi-tiered security arrangements to include night domination through night vision devices, snipers, drone systems, bomb disposal squads, dog squads, counter IED equipment, vehicle repair and recovery teams to ensure smooth movement of convoys and synergy with the civil agencies being under taken to make the Yatra incident free. “He was also shown the arrangements made by BRO, Indian Air Force and Teams from High Altitude Warfare School,” the statement said

According to the Army officials, the road stretch to Holy Cave Shrine is almost clear for induction of pilgrims. “In coordination with Civil Administration, NGOs and other agencies, Army is establishing multiple medical detachments with special arrangements of Oxygen cylinders and control rooms at various places along both the routes for humanitarian aid that will be operational round the clock. Various civil aviation agencies have been incorporated for providing air travel facilities to the devotees. Army has established Helipads at multiple locations for medical emergencies and to cater for other air lift requirements. Army has also established a number of Yatri camps with adequate tent facility along with special winter clothing arrangements to provide habitat and comfort during the Holy Yatra,” the statement said, adding that based on the experiences of the Cloud Burst during the Amarnath Yatra 2022, civil rescue teams and avalanche rescue teams will also be deployed enroute systematically to mitigate any kind of disaster.

“Earth movers will also be placed at multiple locations enroute for emergencies. Seamless communication network on both the routes has also been operationalised. SFF detachments will also be overlooking the security of the people,” the statements aid, adding that “All Inclusive Approach” have been followed to synergize the efforts with all civil agencies including joint training, joint operation, joint exercises and mock drills are being conducted to ensure seamless and successful conduct of the Yatra this year.”

The statement said that northern Army commander appreciated the good work of all agencies and the synergy between them. He complimented them for their proactive action and exhorted them to meet the future challenges—(KNO)