Jammu and Kashmir government is taking the required steps to ensure the smooth conduct of Amarnath yatra this year, Union Minister Farooq Abdullah said here today.
Medical certificate is necessary for the pilgrims undertaking the yatra to the cave shrine of Amarnath in South Kashmir Himalayas, the Union New and Renewable Energy Minister told reporters.
"For the safety of pilgrims, medical certificate has been made mandatory for them," Abdullah said.
Due to the death of many pilgrims in the last few years, the Shri Amaranth Shrine Board (SASB) has decided that devotees will have to produce a medical certificate at the time of registration.
The decision to this effect was taken a high-level meeting of SASB chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra on January 31 this year.
The Board also decided that no one below the age of 13 years or above the age of 75 years and no pregnant lady with more than six weeks pregnancy should be allowed to undertake the Yatra.
The Board noted that a many devotees lost their lives during the pilgrimage, particularly due to cardiac related ailments.
