36 lodgement centres set up in Kathua for Amarnath pilgrims

Over three dozen lodgement centres and six Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) registration counters have been established in the Kathua district to facilitate pilgrims intending to join the annual Amarnath Yatra, an official said.

Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir bordering Punjab, is being decked up to receive the pilgrims from across the country during the yatra, the official said.

The 38-day-long yatra is scheduled to start from the twin routes -the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district – on July 3.

“Our aim is to transform Lakhanpur into a multi-facility hub. We have set up 36 lodgement centres, 6 RFID registration counters, adequate number of clean lavatories and entertainment zones to serve the yatris,” Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas said.

On Tuesday, Minhas conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Lakhanpur corridor to assess and finalise preparations for the Amarnath yatra.

The deputy commissioner inspected the reception points, lodgement centres, registration kiosks and sanitation facilities including toilet complexes and asked the stakeholder departments to ensure timely setting up of waterproof pandals, medical and help desks, control rooms, and cold drinking water stations. He also stressed making toilet complexes and additional facilities fully functional prior to the arrival of the first batch of yatris.

Meanwhile, a high-level security meeting was held in the Udhampur district to review preparations and strategize for the smooth conduct of the yatra. The meeting, chaired by Udhampur Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure, held a detailed discussion focused on security, intelligence sharing, traffic control, medical aid, emergency services, and logistics, a police spokesperson said.

The SSP emphasised strong inter-agency coordination, effective security planning, and smooth communication to handle any challenges and to ensure the safety of pilgrims.