Amarnath Yatra: Health certificates being issued in Jammu

JAMMU: Preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra have begun as arrangements for health certificates are being made in ten districts of Jammu division to allow the pilgrims to begin their journey from the specified date.

A total of 112 doctors have been nominated from health centers across the region to issue Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), which is a prerequisite for advance passenger registration.
Although the official announcement of the Amarnath Yatra is pending, discussions during the recent meeting of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board have indicated a possible start date of June 29. The exact date of passenger registration will be revealed in the coming days.

Traditionally, health certificates issued since March 15 are considered valid for passenger registration. However, last year’s registration process started in mid-April. The Health Directorate Jammu has submitted the details of the nominated doctors to the government, which will soon be available on the Shrine Board website.
District Kathua and Jammu have the highest number of designated health centers including affiliated hospitals, community health centers (CHCs) and district hospitals. The advanced passenger registration process will commence at designated bank branches within the respective districts.

Apart from facilitating registration, these health centers will also provide necessary facilities for the pilgrims. Additional provisions for accommodation and other requirements will be provided at various locations including Jammu, Ramban and Srinagar.
As preparations are gaining momentum, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board is issuing tenders related to the yatra, with the focus being on essential works like removal of snow from the holy cave and surrounding routes. This journey is scheduled to begin immediately after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections