AMARNATH YATRA

In 1996 more than 100,000 people were caught in a sudden blizzard that hit Amarnath cave area. 242 pilgrims lost their lives due to exhaustion, freezing temperatures and starvation. While government claims that lessons were learnt, 2005 negated all claims. On February 22, 2005, in south Kashmir, entire Waltengunar village got buried under twin avalanches and nearly 200 died.

“We have become more vulnerable due to the unplanned construction,” said Shakeel Ramshoo, head of department, Geology and Geophysics at Kashmir university. The area from Pahalgam to Amarnath is a disaster in waiting. “The government has fixed a 15,000 ceiling for pilgrims but even that is high. Such huge numbers can create havoc for the environment,” he added.

According to officials, high intensity sustained rainfall or snowfall increases the likelihood of avalanches, cloudburst, and flash floods, especially in the upper reaches. The more vulnerable stretches are also important pilgrimage points like Panjtarni, Sheshnag, holy cave, MG Top.

The way out is an effective weather monitoring system. “We have come a long way since 1996,” said Director met department, Sonam Lotus. “We have nearly 30 automatic weather monitoring systems, we are getting radar weather monitoring system next year, so we have been giving fairly accurate weather warnings,” he added.