Grp insurance cover for Amarnath pilgrims raised to Rs 3 lakh

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) today announced to enhance the group insurance cover for the pilgrims and service providers from existing Rs one lakh to Rs three lakh.
SASB manages the annual yatra to the 3,880 metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra,who is chairman of SASB,announced the enhanced group insurance while interacting with 'ponywalas' and 'pithoowalas' (pony owners and porters) during a visit to various camps en-route the holy cave shrine.
Vohra wasaccompanied by Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer of the Board.
They conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the yatra route along the Baltal axis and visited the holy cave, Panjtarni, Baltal and Domel Yatra Camps, and the Neelgrath Helipad.

At the shrine, Vohra was briefed by the representatives of Army, J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, NDRF, SDRF, the leader of the mountain rescue team and camp directors regarding the arrangements being made on and along the track from Upper Sangam- Lower Holy Cave- Holy Cave for the smooth conduct of the Yatra, which is scheduled to beginfrom June 29.

The governor issued instructions to the camp directors at the shrine to ensure the pitching of tents, shops and langars (community kitchen) only in the areas designated in the 'Lay Out Plan'.
He also directed the Army and paramilitary units to do a recce of the area, particularly the slopes above the Amarnath Holy Cave, to check for loose stones on these slopes.

He emphasised that proper sanitation arrangements should be ensured and deep garbage pits should be dug to ensure the proper disposal of bio-degradable waste.
At thePanjtarni base camp, Vohra inspected arrangements for supply of power, water, proper installation of baths and toilets and treatment of their flows, dissemination of information through installation of PA System, maintenance of proper fire gaps, availability of fire fighting equipment, etc.
He directed the officials to personally supervise, on daily basis the status of the sanitation of 300 toilets being constructed.
He further directed that rates of porters, ponies, 'pithoos' should be prominently displayed for the information of pilgrims.

Vohra also visited the base hospital at the shrine to inspect the medical facilities.