Amarnath Yatra 2020 canceled amid COVID19 crisis; Devotees to have 'virtual darshan' this year
21 Jul 2020 21:47:37
In view of the surge in the number of coronavirus cases in Jammu and Kashmir, the Amarnath Shrine Board has decided to cancel the yatra this year and devotees will continue to have virtual darshan that will be telecasted LIVE. The decision was taken by the shrine board in a meeting chaired by Lt. Governor GC Murmu held through video conference.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra has been cancelled after Shri Amarnath Shrine Board on Tuesday announced its decision amid rising COVID 19 positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir that has crossed a figure as high as 15,000.
Although, being aware of the sentiments of millions of devotees the board has decided to keep the religious sentiments alive and shall continue the Live Telecast/ Virtual Darshan of the morning and evening Aarti. Further, the traditional rituals shall be carried out as per past practice. Also, the Chhadi Mubarak shall be facilitated by the Government.
Earlier on 13th July, the Supreme Court leaving the final decision of the Amarnath Yatra to the government had directed to start the yatra only after taking stock of the current situation.
Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu, Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), presided over 39th Board meeting of the SASB today in which the Board members participated virtually through video conference to discuss the conduct of the Yatra 2020. Threadbare discussion was held on the current circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic and its likely impact on the Yatra.
The Board was informed that the arrangements were on track since February 2020, but due to nationwide lockdown and pandemic, State Executive Committee, J&K has continued to keep religious places and places of worship closed for the public. These prohibitions continue till 31st July.
After the Board further discussed how pandemic has put the health administration system to its limit, when the spike has been particularly very sharp in July, it decided not to unnecessarily put the Yatris at risk of catching the COVID-19. The health concerns are so serious that the strain on the health system, along with the diversion in resources to the Yatra, will be immense.
Also, the Government made reasoned observations supported by facts which suggested that it would not be advisable to conduct Amarnath Yatra 2020 and it would be advisable to cancel it this year in the larger public interest. Based upon the circumstances, the Board decided that it is not advisable to hold and conduct this year’s Amarnath Yatra and expressed its regret to announce the cancellation of Yatra 2020.