Not declared Amarnath 'silent zone', clarifies NGT

National Green Tribunal in a clarification issued on Thursday said that it has not declared Amarnath a ''silent zone''.

''Only restriction that devotees will maintain silence in front of Shivling. Not applicable to any other part. One way queue will be maintained,'' NGT said in a clarification issued on Thursday.

NGT further said that these directions were necessary to maintain sanctity of the cave and to ensure no adverse noise impact on shivling.

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Silence restrictions will not apply on Arti and other rituals, NGT clarified.

A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar on Wednesday said the Amarnath Shrine Board should ensure that proper infrastructural facilities are provided to the pilgrims so that they are not deprived of a clear 'darshan', and the ecology of the area is maintained.

The green panel also directed that there should be a single line of people walking towards the cave from the last check post.

The NGT further directed that devotees will be not allowed to carry prasad (religious offerings) in the cave and that an iron rod from the cave to facilitate devotees offering prayers will be removed.

"There should be no ringing of bells. No mobiles or belongings to be carried beyond last check post. The shrine board must consider making a storeroom where people can keep their belongings," the NGT told the Amarnath Shrine Board.