Srinagar, Jun 26: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Thursday that the annual Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3, with the administration fully prepared to ensure the safety of pilgrims, logistics, healthcare, and environmental management.
Addressing the media ahead of the pilgrimage, Sinha highlighted the extensive arrangements made by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and the J&K administration, emphasizing that RFID tracking will be mandatory for every pilgrim to facilitate real-time monitoring.
“High-quality surveillance cameras have been installed at all major points along the route. A three-tier security arrangement has been established at all base camps and throughout the pilgrimage route,” Sinha stated.
He noted that the number of security personnel has been increased and mock drills have already been conducted to prepare for the Yatra. Additionally, health infrastructure has been significantly enhanced this year, with 100-bed hospitals set up at each base camp, along with extra emergency medical teams on standby.
On the environmental front, the Rural Development Department, he said, is continuing its efforts to maintain a clean and green Yatra corridor. “Since last year, we have successfully ensured a zero-waste Yatra—a trend we aim to strengthen this year as well,” the Lieutenant Governor added.
However, Sinha acknowledged a dip in registration following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that tragically claimed 26 lives. “Registration dropped by about 10%, but the numbers are now rising again. Public confidence is returning, and I am hopeful it will continue to grow,” he said. Before the attack, 2.36 lakh pilgrims had already registered for the Yatra.
In light of the current security situation, the Lieutenant Governor urged all pilgrims, including those traveling in private vehicles, to only travel with the security convoy from Jammu to the base camps. He also confirmed that helicopter services will not be available this year due to security and logistical reasons.
The 2025 Amarnath Yatra will run for 52 days, concluding on Shravan Purnima, which falls on August 24.
When asked about the Muharram procession route, LG Sinha stated that the Jammu and Kashmir administration has decided to allow the Muharram-8 procession to proceed from the traditional route in Srinagar this year, following last year’s procession.
From a security perspective during the Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have collaboratively established a robust security arrangement from the start of the pilgrimage to the return from the cave. New initiatives have also been implemented, which the LG will elaborate on as needed.
Sinha made a special appeal to all residents of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly those in Kashmir, who traditionally provide full support during the pilgrimage. “The local people eagerly welcome the pilgrims, and everyone is looking forward to it. I request you, my journalist friends, to send a positive message that the hospitality of the people of Kashmir is unmatched in the country,” he said.
Sinha added that about 8% of pilgrims typically travel by helicopter, and therefore, the lack of helicopter services this year will not significantly impact the overall pilgrimage experience. (KNO)
