Srinagar, Jul 4: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Saturday urged all Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims to strictly adhere to the online registration schedule, stating that the mandatory RFID-enabled access would only be provided to those with confirmed slots.
Addressing a press conference here, Garg as per KNS said the annual pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3 from the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, has witnessed over 26,000 devotees offering prayers at the holy cave in the first two days.
“The yatra is progressing smoothly. All essential facilities, including healthcare units, rest shelters, filtered drinking water, disaster management teams, and lighting along both tracks, have been put in place to ensure a hassle-free experience for the pilgrims,” he said.
However, the Divisional Commissioner expressed concern over a significant number of devotees arriving in the Union Territory without prior online registration. He said that the yatra is subject to a ceiling fixed by the Supreme Court, and the administration has a limited quota for on-spot RFID and e-KYC verification.
“Online registration began on April 15, and most pilgrims have registered through banking channels. While facilitation counters have been set up for registered devotees to collect their RFID cards, those arriving without registration or before their scheduled date will face inconvenience,” Garg said.
He said that RFID is mandatory for the yatra and that unregistered pilgrims would have to wait until slots open up based on no-shows. “We appeal to all devotees to undertake the pilgrimage only on their registered date. Those planning to come later must complete online registration in advance,” he added.
The administration has also set up boarding and lodging facilities across Kashmir for the convenience of pilgrims, and information is being disseminated through official press notes and social media handles, Garg said.
“We are making every effort to accommodate all genuine devotees, but they must wait for their turn and complete the registration process beforehand,” he reiterated. (KNS)
