SC modifies yatra guidelines

NEW DELHI, Apr 18:The Supreme Court today modified its order in which it had passed a slew of guidelines for the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir Government to ensure proper healthcare and other amenities for Amarnath yatra pilgrims.
Modifying the order, a bench headed by B S Chauhan said registration of yatris will be done only in Jammu and Srinagar while its earlier order had allowed registration also in Baltal and Panchtarni.
The bench also modified its order that the gap between iron grills, installed near the cave should not be less than 12 inches saying it is for the Special High Power Committee appointed by it to take a decision on the issue.
The Apex Court had on December 13 directed Centre and J&K Government to ensure proper facilities to Amarnath yatris saying it is Government’s constitutional obligation to provide basic facilities to pilgrims who visit religious places.
Observing that arrangements for pilgrims near the holy shrine are “pathetic”, the Apex Court had issued a slew of directions to the Governments and the Amarnath Shrine Board for widening the walking tracks to the holy cave which may be covered by pre-fabricated tiles. (PTI)