SRINAGAR:  In the first 23 days of Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which commenced on 2nd July 2015, more than 2.85 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at Holy Cave. Mr. PK Tripathi, CEO informed Chairman, Shrine Board, Governor N N Vohra, that 26 pilgrims had lost their lives in the Yatra area till date, out of whom 24 died due to medical reasons and 2 expired due to an accidents. Also, one CRPF personnel died while on duty at the Holy Cave; one porter died after being washed away in Lider river, near Chandanwari; and one Langar Sewadar died at Pissu Top due to cardiac arrest.

The Chairman was informed that the Director Health Services (Kashmir) has advised that in view of the low temperature persisting in the Yatra area, especially during night, and due to likely exposure to extreme cold and reduced air pressure, the pilgrims may develop medical complications while trekking at the high altitudes in the Yatra area.   He has further urged the Yatris to take healthy diet rich in carbohydrates and plenty of fluids, take regular meals with warm water, and avoid caffeine and smoking. 

Further,  while sleeping, the body should be covered with warm cloths covering the head and feet, ensuring that the under garments are not wet due to sweat as wet clothing loses around 90 % of its insulation power. They should also avoid taking bath during night, even with warm water.  

CEO has once again advised Yatris to follow the Health Advisory issued by the Shrine Board and take medical assistance available in the Yatra area to prevent any medical complications.  He also advised Yatris to take precautions while undertaking this arduous pilgrimage and immediately contact Doctors at the Medical Camps in case they feel even minor complication.

The Shrine Board, in coordination with State Health Department, Army, State Police, CRPF, BSF, SSB, NGOs etc. has made elaborate arrangements for providing health facilities at all the Camps and enroute the Shrine. The health facilities have been established at points which are at approximately 2 km distance, in the entire Yatra area, to provide maximum health facilities to the Yatris. 

5 Base Hospitals, 9 MACs, 14 EACs and other health facilities have been established with adequate number of doctors and health professionals with adequate and modern equipments and medicines.  Doctors and paramedics from neighbouring Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan States have also been deployed in these Medical Camps to provide healthcare services in the Yatra area.

Meanwhile, an adequate number of Yatra Permits have been made available at various On-Spot registration counters at Jammu and Srinagar, to fully meet the demand for current registration on both the routes.  With the restoration of the Srinagar–Baltal road by the BRO for two–way traffic, the pilgrimage has again picked up from the Baltal route in addition to traditional Pahalgam route.