Srinagar, Aug 6: To enhance the safety and informativeness of Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage through technology, the J&K Housing & Urban Development Department (HUDD) has introduced several digital innovations this year to modernize the pilgrimage undertaken by lakhs of people across the country annually.
According to details available with ‘Excelsior’, these solutions, used by hundreds of pilgrims so far during the ongoing yatra, include the Digital Kiosk, website, ZeroWasteYatra.com, and the YatraMitra app, all designed to offer comprehensive support and information to yatris.
Officials stated that this year’s incorporation of modern technology marks a significant shift towards digital inclusion for the first time in the yatra’s several-decades-long history.
The interventions have been introduced by the Department in association with ‘Swaaha,’ a startup from IIT Indore, which has already played an effective role by designing ‘Sustainable Kits’ aimed at making the yatra plastic-free.
ZeroWasteYatra.com and the YatraMitra mobile application, officials said, serve as digital companions for pilgrims, providing essential features that streamline the yatra.
Available for both Android and iOS, the app offers detailed information about the pilgrimage, guidelines, and route maps, while the website provides real-time updates on weather, route changes, and vital announcements, ensuring that pilgrims are well-prepared.
The digital platforms available for the yatris also include a list of helpline numbers for emergencies, interactive maps indicating important landmarks, medical camps, and lodging facilities.
A digital touch screen at the Pantha Chowk base camp further adds another layer of support, serving as a vital resource for pilgrims at a key location.
Notably, the mobile application has a feature for reporting garbage along the route, reinforcing HUDD’s commitment to a clean and sustainable environment during the ongoing pilgrimage.
This reporting aids the Department in effectively working towards its aim of making the Shri Amarnath yatra garbage-free and reducing the generation of single-use plastic.
According to officials, the feedback feature allows pilgrims to share their experiences and suggestions, helping organizers improve arrangements.
“This digital intervention is new and crucial for yatris, providing easy access to help and information like never before; so far nearly 350 yatris have used these interventions,” officials said.
They noted that the step taken by HUDD and Swaaha in embracing technology has not only enhanced the pilgrimage experience but also set a precedent for future yatras.
“The introduction of the YatraMitra app and ZeroWasteYatra.com is part of our ongoing efforts to modernize the yatra digitally and promote environmental stewardship,” said Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, HUDD.
She added: “Our aim with these digital innovations is to ensure that every pilgrim has access to timely and accurate information, enhancing their safety and overall experience during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.”
