Amarnath Yatra: Stream flooded the year before, tents still installed there

This year, Amarnath yatra pilgrims’ tents were erected on the flood channel. According to a report by Indian Express, the spot where the tents were installed this year for the Yatris, is flood-prone. They reported that last year as well, the spot on the banks of a stream where the tents were installed which witnessed a flash flood recently was flooded last year as well.

The tents were set up there to accommodate as many people as they could. The spot is also known as, the ‘dry river bed’ as reported by Indian Express. Additionally, langar was also set up to operate at the dry river bed spot.

The July 28 flood last year did not result in any fatalities, as the yatra in 2021 was cancelled because to the Covid-19. Heavy rains that caused the flash flood also caused shooting stones and, according to reports, washed away a few security personnel-erected tents. However, no one was hurt.

A statement was released, following the flood last year, by Raj Bhawan that read, ” A joint team of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Police and Army, acting swiftly, evacuated all the staff present close to the Nallah. No loss of human lives or property is reported.

As per the latest report, the Holy Cave shrine is safe. Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah also spoke to Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, who briefed him about the present situation and efforts made by the joint team of officials, Police and the Army.”

The newspaper also quoted an official, “It was well known that the water channel there is prone to flooding, but still the planning completely lacked any thoughtfulness, especially about the weather at this time of the year. The main effort was to show numbers.”

To try to stop water from entering the dry river bed, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board constructed a two-foot stone wall this year. On the day of the cloudburst, however, water quickly flew the low wall.

Indian Express reported that tents were erected well outside the stream’s flood channel in 2019 and earlier. Given that the yatra had been suspended since 2019, the administration anticipated this year’s attendance to be higher than before.

In the cloud burst that happened on Friday resulted in a flood-like situation killing some 16 people and injuring more than 20 people.

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Part 1: Cloudburst  in Ganderbal’s Padabal village & unfulfilled promises