JAMMU, JUN 23: First batch of Annual Amarnath Yatra is all set to be flagged off officially from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp Jammu (Yatri Niwas) Sunday morning.
 All arrangements including boarding and lodging are finalised and put in place at the base camp to ensure trouble-free stay of pilgrims in Jammu.
 Pilgrims from across the country have started pouring in for getting the registration slips at Bhagwati Nagar and to start the yatra. The annual pilgrimage to Amarnath shrine cave is scheduled to commence from June 25 and will conclude on August 2.
 “All the government agencies including Jammu Municipal Corporation, Health Department, Tourism Department, State Road Transport Corporation, Hospitality and Protocol and others have given final shape to their tasks as yatra is just about to begin,” official deputed at Base Camp said.
 A tourism department counter, a fair price shop, health centre, police assistance booth, telecom booths, Horticulture department stall selling juice , fruit, community kitchens and tents have been  established in the premises for the convenience of the pilgrims.
 Official further said the temporary sheds to provide additional accommodation have been raised, while other arrangements have also been finalised.
 Security wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police Department has installed X-ray machines and other gadgets within and outside the ‘Yatri Niwas’ complex, while the surrounding of the building, located along the bank of River Tawi, has been put under tight security cover with additional deployment of security personnel .
 The security forces, particularly CRPF, has been deployed in and around the base camp after sensitization operation conducted by the police.
 Besides Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp free accommodation for the pilgrims is also available at Sanathan Dharmam Sabha Gita Bhawan, Aggarwal Sabha Vivekanand Chowk, Shiv Mandir Mini Market Railway Station Jammu, Mahajan Sabha Shalamar Road, Dogra Saddar Sabha Dogra Hall, Brahman Sabha Parade Ground. Free lodging and boarding facilities for Sadhus are available at Ram Mandir Purani Mandi Jammu.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 23 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 23 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST