Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 23: The Jammu Heritage Society, has forwarded suggestions to the Lt Governor, as Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board for the upcoming Holi pilgrimage from July Ist.
In a letter flashed to the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha through president of the Society, Bhuvneshwar Gandotra, the members have congratulated the LG for improving facilities and development of both the tracks from Pahalgam and Baltal for the pilgrims visiting Holy Cave Shrine and also extending Yatra for 60 days this year.
For avoiding deaths en-route yatra, the Society suggested acclimatization of pilgrims for which no proper attention has been given so far. It suggested that management of health facilities and preventives measures are must as pilgrims have to trek about 12000 to 13000 ft high mountains. They must take one day halt at Jammu, one at Patnitop and one day at Pahalgam or Baltal before starting Yatra. It would contain the death rate along the track. For this, sufficient advertisement should be done, Society suggested.
Gandotra suggested that pilgrims should be provided Diamox tablets (0.25 gms) free of cost at the base camp medical units and its use should also be explained. Menthol tablets in small packets should also be given to them to be worn in the neck which reduces the effect of reduction of oxygen at high altitude. Pilgrims be advised chanting slogans and talks be avoided or talk as little as possible to save energy on high altitude treks like Pissu Ghatti and Mahagunas Pass. They must be suggested to take long and steady steps, inhaling through nostrils and to avoid taking excess water as it helps in hiking on high altitude treks. Having mint toffees, chocolates/ small quantity of Glucose powder also helps in raising energy level while hiking. Alcohol, smoking and use of drugs be avoided. These steps should be included in DOs and Don’ts in the advertisement given by Tourism authorities.
He further suggested that mobile Medical teams equipped with oxygen should be deployed especially at places where pilgrims are supposed to stay in long queues for a longer time.
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