The annual two month-long pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine of Amarnath will start on June 18.

According to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the ice lingam inside the cave has fully formed this year. There had been apprehensions that the ice lingam may not take form completely owing to global warming and shifting of glaciers.

"We feel encouraged by this development, which is a good omen for this year's pilgrimage," Governor, Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha said, adding that the SASB was 'geared up for making elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the yatra'.

"Every effort is being made to provide basic amenities to the pilgrims keeping in view the environmental requirements of the area," a spokesman of the SASB said, adding that "the board has been taking elaborate measures to preserve the ecology of the area by having in place environmental friendly shelter sheds and toilets that have been acclaimed year after year by the visiting pilgrims and environmentalists. This effort will continue."

The spokesman said the track leading up to the cave shrine will be cleared by June 10.

"Similarly, re-erection of 213 pre-fab rooms will also be completed by this date. Hot water supply will be arranged at the camping sites and efforts would be doubled to maintain hygienic conditions there."

Giving an overview of the facilities being worked out during the pilgrimage, the spokesman said each camp will have accommodation for 1400 pilgrims with filtered water for drinking and hot water facilities.

As regards registration, he said that as per the past practice 50 per cent registration will be made by Jammu and Kashmir [Images] Bank through its designated branches around the country while remaining 50 per cent quota will be utilized on the spot on first come first basis.

Image: The Amarnath cave shrine
Reportage: Mukhtar Ahmad | Photograph: PTI Photos