J&K February 06, 2014: All pilgrims who possess valid Yatra Permits will be provided an insurance cover of Rs. 1.00 lakh against accidental death within the Jammu and Kashmir State during the entire period of the Yatra 2014, an official spokesman said on Wednesday.

The pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in Kashmir Himalayas begins on June 28 and attracts lakhs of devotees every year.

“Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer, informed that the insurance cover will be available to all registered Yatris for the period commencing one week ahead of the commencement of the pilgrimage and ending one week after the conclusion of the Yatra,” the spokesman said in a statement.

He further clarified that the insurance will cover any accidental death which takes place anywhere in the State while travelling onward to the Yatra Base Camps or while moving on the tracks to the Shrine. 

The entire expenditure for drawing this insurance cover is being borne by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board which manages the annual yatra.

Choudhary has appealed to all pilgrims, in their own interest, to obtain valid registration after securing a Compulsory Health Certificate.

“It is in the interest of all pilgrims to undergo a proper medical check-up before registering themselves, for which elaborate arrangements have been made by the Shrine Board.”

Possession of a valid Yatra Permit would also enable the pilgrims to be covered by Accidental Insurance.