After initial hiccups due to adverse weather conditions, Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir has finally got into full swing with thousands of pilgrims paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine. 

As per the latest figures, 11,465 pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave shrine on Sunday (June 28), while a fresh batch of 5,661 pilgrims left Baltal Base Camp Monday morning (June 29). 

Meanwhile, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board said that 1,078 pilgrims, mostly women, children and old, were diverted from Pahalgam to Baltal for undertaking Yatra on the less arduous Baltal route. 

Another batch of 1,764 pilgrims also left Jammu today for the Nunwan and Baltal Base Camps.

According to BB Vyas, chief executive officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, one Mobile Rescue Team each, comprising a sub-inspector and eight J&K Police personnel, has been stationed at Sheshnag and Poshpathri. These teams are moving to the critical stretches of the track between Sheshnag and Poshpathri to ensure the safe crossing of Yatris, both ways, across the arduous Mahagunas Top. 

The Spokesperson said that certain portions of the track continue to remain critical. At a number of places, the track is still covered by 3 to 7 feet of accumulated snow. To ensure proper movement, steps are being cut on a 400 metre long stretch, on the new alternate track.

For this task, the Board is in touch with the Pahalgam Development Authority, which is entrusted with the responsibility of opening and maintaining the Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Holy Cave traditional route.