The stage is set for the annual Amarnath Yatra, commencing July 3, as Jammu and Kashmir prepares to welcome lakhs of devotees on the sacred pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine.
To ensure an incident-free pilgrimage, authorities have implemented a multi-layered security framework from Lakhanpur, the entry point to Jammu and Kashmir, to the holy cave shrine at an altitude of 3,880 meters. The entire route from Jammu to the cave has been brought under CCTV surveillance, with a three-tier security blanket enveloping all base camps.
In a significant technological advancement, Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) have been installed at strategic locations on both routes. The system has already proven effective, with the arrest of two overground workers (OGWs) of terrorist organisations on June 19.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology will tag all vehicles and individual pilgrims, enabling real-time tracking of their movements along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
Additionally, the routes passing through the Kashmir Valley have been declared “no-fly zones” from July 1 to August 10, banning the use of drones and UAVs to enhance security.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, during his visit to the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal on Monday, reviewed the on-ground preparations and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. “After meeting with senior officers of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and security agencies, I can confidently say that this year’s arrangements are far superior to previous years. The coordination among security agencies is seamless, and they are on high alert,” Sinha told reporters. To ensure a clean and comfortable pilgrimage, the administration has established 5,613 toilets and bathing units along the twin routes—2,920 on the Pahalgam axis and 2,693 on the Baltal axis. A workforce of 7,361 sanitation workers has been deployed to maintain cleanliness, supported by 15 Solid Waste Management Processing Facilities to handle waste effectively.
LG Manoj Sinha also inaugurated SASB’s Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk, with an accommodation facility to house 1300 pilgrims in Srinagar on Monday. To feed the pilgrims daily, permission has been granted to 125 langars (community kitchens) to provide free, nutritious meals to pilgrims, security personnel, and sanitation workers. Authorised by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, these langars, operated by organisations from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and other states, stretch from Lakhanpur to the holy cave.
They are expected to serve approximately 1,00,000 meals daily, ensuring no one goes hungry during the arduous journey.
The langars are strategically located along the routes: 25 at Baltal and Domel, 13 at the holy cave, 8 at Sheshnag, 5 at Pissutop, 12 at Panchtarni, 7 at Chandanwari, 9 at Nunwan, and 5 at Zojibal. An additional 50 langars line the Jammu-Pathankot and Jammu-Srinagar national highways, with five more at the Jammu base camp, Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar.
The Shrine Board has curated a wholesome, non-oily menu tailored to the high-altitude terrain, prioritising the health and well-being of pilgrims who undertake the challenging trek to pay homage to the naturally formed ice lingam, a revered symbol of Lord Shiva.
LG Manoj Sinha, who chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from the SASB, civil administration, J&K Police, and security agencies, emphasised the pilgrim-centric measures implemented this year. “I have closely observed the last four pilgrimages, and I can confidently say that the level of preparedness by the administration is far superior this time,” he said.
“The robust and well-integrated security protocols, combined with enhanced facilities, will ensure a peaceful and hassle-free experience for devotees.” Sinha also expressed hope that pilgrims from across the country would return with cherished memories of their journey.