SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday announced that the annual Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3, with full preparations in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pilgrims.
The administration, in coordination with the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), has finalised comprehensive arrangements covering security, logistics, healthcare, and environmental management.
Addressing the media ahead of the Yatra, the Lieutenant Governor said RFID tracking will be mandatory for all pilgrims to facilitate real-time monitoring throughout the pilgrimage route.
“High-quality surveillance cameras have been installed at key locations, and a three-tier security arrangement is in place across all base camps and routes,” Sinha said. He added that the deployment of security personnel has been increased and mock drills have been conducted in preparation.
Healthcare facilities have been strengthened, with 100-bed hospitals established at each base camp and additional emergency medical teams on standby. On the environmental front, Sinha said the Rural Development Department is continuing its efforts to maintain a clean and green Yatra corridor. “Since last year, we have ensured a zero-waste Yatra—a practice we intend to continue,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged a temporary dip in registration following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. “There was a 10% decline in registrations after the incident, but numbers are now rising again. Public confidence is being restored,” he said. Prior to the attack, 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered.
Sinha urged all pilgrims, including those in private vehicles, to travel only in official security convoys 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 span 52 days, concluding on Shravan Purnima (August 24).
In response to a question about Muharram, LG Sinha said the administration has approved the traditional route for the Muharram-8 procession in Srinagar, continuing the practice that resumed last year after a long gap.
Regarding overall security for the Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have jointly established a robust system to cover the entire duration of the pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor added that new initiatives have also been introduced and further details would be shared as required.
Sinha made a special appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Valley, for their continued support. “The local population has always welcomed pilgrims warmly. I request the media to convey this positive message across the country—that the people of Kashmir show unmatched hospitality,” he said.
He also noted that around 8 pilgrims of pilgrims typically use helicopters for the journey, and the absence of this option this year is unlikely to significantly affect the overall Yatra experience. (KNO)
