DD, AIR to inform Amarnath pilgrims of procedures

The information and broadcasting ministry is planning to launch special awareness campaigns on Doordarshan and All India Radio to inform people about the procedures to be followed during the Amarnath Yatra this year.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Bimal Julka held discussions Monday on implementing an effective campaign for awareness among pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra that would be held June 28-Aug 10, according to an official statement.

The meeting was convened at the request of Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra, who is also chairman of the Amarnath Shrine Board.

Julka discussed issues related to developing appropriate communication tools for the pilgrims' help, including procedures for registration, a compulsory health certificate for registration and the do's and don'ts to be followed during the pilgrimage.

The secretary said a well planned campaign would be launched soon by the ministry through Doordarshan and All India Radio for spreading awareness about this year's yatra.

The campaign would include broadcast/telecast of public interest messages, documentary films, video and audio spots educating pilgrims about the challenges and medical problems faced by them during the yatra, the statement said.

Julka said the shrine board CEO would be consulted for the content that would be designed in the languages of the states and regions from where the majority of pilgrims arrive.