Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 23 (ANI): The Budha Amarnath Yatra continued in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district amid tight security arrangements on Sunday, with authorities making provisions for medical assistance and emergency services to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
As pilgrims continued their journey along NH-144A, the state's Health Department established medical facilities at key points where devotees halt during the pilgrimage.
Speaking about the arrangements, Block Medical Officer Sunderbani Dr Meena Kumari said a dedicated medical camp had been set up following directions from the District Commissioner, Rajouri.
"As per the directions of the District Commissioner, Rajouri, we have set up a medical camp. The Yatra halts here both morning and evening, and our medical services are available round the clock," Dr Meena Kumari said.
She added that a night-duty medical team has also been deployed to attend to pilgrims during the night and that an ambulance remains available 24x7 to respond to medical emergencies.
The medical team is providing basic healthcare services to pilgrims during their journey, with arrangements in place to address any health-related issues that may arise along the route.
Priyanka Manhas from the Health Department said a medical stall had also been established in coordination with the Block Medical Officer to ensure pilgrims have access to immediate medical assistance.
"Through the Medical Department and the BMO, we have set up a medical stall here. We provide basic first aid and treatment so pilgrims do not face any problems. Even minor health issues are being attended to," she said.
The medical arrangements are aimed at ensuring that pilgrims do not face difficulties in accessing basic healthcare during the Yatra, particularly at halting points where large numbers of devotees gather.
Meanwhile, pilgrims travelling to Budha Amarnath expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and security measures along the route.
A pilgrim from Maharashtra, Pradip Thakre, praised the arrangements and said he felt safe during the journey.
"The arrangements are excellent and very safe. Food is available everywhere. People are welcoming. It feels wonderful, and the weather is also very pleasant. We are really enjoying the journey. We will definitely come again next year," Thakre said.
The Budha Amarnath pilgrimage is an important annual religious journey in the Jammu region, attracting devotees from different parts of the country.
Authorities have put in place security and administrative arrangements along the pilgrimage route, while the Health Department has focused on ensuring immediate access to first aid and emergency medical care.
The continued deployment of medical teams, night-duty personnel and round-the-clock ambulance services is intended to provide timely assistance to pilgrims throughout the duration of the Yatra. Amarnath Yatra for 2026 is scheduled from July 3, 2026, to August 28, 2026 (spanning 57 days), concluding on Raksha Bandhan. (ANI)
"Arrangements are excellent and very safe": Pilgrims praise facilities as Budha Amarnath Yatra continues
