The organisers of Amarnath Yatra [Images] have banned the use of plastic bags along the pligrims' route and in the camps in a bid to make the annual pligrimage environment-friendly.

"We will ensure that no trees are cut and will replace open trench latrines with scientific disposal of excreta," Amarnath Shrine board chairman and Jammu and Kashmir [Images] Governor Lieutenant-General (Retd) S K Sinha.

He was addressing mediapersons on Friday while trekking through the snowy peaks in the Baltal valley enroute the holy cave shrine.

The board will also provide modern shelters made of pre-fabricated material, Sinha added.

He said the board was expecting five lakh pilgrims this year and this would give a boost to the state's economy.

The Governor added that pilgrims willing to pay more would also be taken to other tourist spots in the region.

Sinha also inspected the restoration work on the track up to Sangam that was badly damaged due to unprecedented snowfall early this year.

Every year, Pilgrims pay homage to Bhole Nath shiv shankar ice lingam at the Amarnath cave. The pilgrimage is organised by the state government.