Srinagar, June 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that this year’s Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3, with extensive preparations in place to ensure the safety, logistics, healthcare, and environmental management for the annual pilgrimage.
Speaking to media ahead of the Yatra, the LG said that all arrangements, jointly made by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and the J&K administration, are in place, and that Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking will be mandatory for all pilgrims to ensure real-time movement monitoring.
“Advanced surveillance systems have been installed along the route, and a three-tier security setup has been deployed at base camps and across the Yatra stretch,” Sinha said, as per the KNO. He added that the deployment of security forces has been strengthened, and mock drills have already been conducted in preparation.
To bolster healthcare services, 100-bed hospitals have been established at each base camp, with additional emergency medical teams stationed along the route.
Sinha also highlighted the administration’s commitment to keeping the pilgrimage eco-friendly. “Our Rural Development Department is working to maintain a clean Yatra corridor. Last year, we successfully ensured a zero-waste Yatra, and we aim to reinforce that success this year,” he said.
Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, the LG admitted it had caused a temporary decline in registrations by about 10%. However, he expressed optimism, saying that registrations are once again on the rise, and public confidence is being restored. As of the attack date, 2.36 lakh pilgrims had already registered.
Considering the prevailing security concerns, Sinha urged all pilgrims including those in private vehicles to only travel in coordination with the security convoy from Jammu to the base camps. He also informed that helicopter services will not be operational this year due to logistical and safety challenges.
The Yatra will last 52 days, concluding on Shravan Purnima, August 24.
When asked about Muharram arrangements, the Lieutenant Governor confirmed that the administration has approved the traditional route for the Muharram-8 procession in Srinagar, continuing last year’s precedent.
Regarding overall security during the Yatra, the LG said that the J&K Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have devised a joint security strategy to protect the pilgrimage from start to finish. He hinted at new security measures that will be disclosed when necessary.
Sinha also appealed to the people of J&K, especially those in Kashmir, to continue their warm hospitality toward pilgrims. “People of Kashmir are known for their unmatched hospitality, and I request the media to help spread this positive message,” he said.
On the absence of helicopter services, the LG clarified that only about 8% of pilgrims typically use air travel, so its suspension will not majorly affect the Yatra. (KNO)
