Jammu, Feb 5 (IANS): All pilgrims holding valid permits for this year's Amarnath Yatra will be provided a free insurance cover of Rs.1 lakh against accidental death.

Navin K. Choudhary, CEO of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the yatra, said Wednesday: "On the instructions of Jammu and Kashmir governor and SASB chairman N.N. Vohra, all pilgrims who possess valid yatra permits will be provided an insurance cover of Rs.1 lakh against accidental death within the state during the entire yatra period.

"The insurance cover will be available to all registered 'yatris' one week ahead of the commencement of the pilgrimage and will end one week after its conclusion.

"The insurance will cover any accidental death which takes place anywhere in the state while travelling to the yatra base camps or while heading for the shrine."

Choudhary has appealed to all pilgrims to obtain valid registration cards 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," he said.

This year's annual pilgrimage will start June 28 and end Aug 10, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

The registration for the yatra will start March 1.