The Kashmir Times
SRINAGAR, INDIA, April 3, 2003: Three major changes will distinguish the yearly Hindu Amarnath pilgrimage this season. Affluent pilgrims could fly to the Himalayan cave from Srinagar in state-owned helicopters. The shortest route, the Baltal route used by about 25% of pilgrims, has been widened from 6 ft to 12 ft, allowing for 1,500 instead of 800 pilgrims a day. And the famous health resort of Pahalgam, the base camp for the pilgrimage, shall remain open for non-yatra tourist traffic. Decisions made at a meeting of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board in Jammu last week suggested that the pilgrimage start on July 12 and conclude on August 12 to coincide with Rakhsha Bandhan. To date the pilgrimage continues to be a state sponsored affair with thousands of dollars being pumped into it. Expenses include security that requires thousands of troops, paramilitary men and many battalions of the state police. The meeting also noted the discovery of an ancient temple on the old Amarnath route near Chandanwari, which is claimed to be 800 to 2000 years old.