SRINAGAR: Authorities have stepped up Amarnath Yatra preparations in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district with advanced surveillance systems, mock drills, and a strengthened security grid ahead of the pilgrimage beginning July 3.
With over 400 CCTV cameras, facial recognition technology, elevated bunkers and specialised security units deployed along the route, officials say extensive measures are in place to ensure a safe and smooth yatra.
The annual Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country and remains one of Jammu and Kashmir’s largest religious pilgrimages.
Authorities intensified preparations for the Amarnath Yatra with hi-tech surveillance systems being installed and mock drills conducted to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
As part of the arrangements, advanced surveillance infrastructure, including CCTV cameras and monitoring equipment, has been set up at key locations along the Yatra route and base camps.
Security agencies, police, and the civil administration are working in close coordination to strengthen security and emergency response mechanisms.
Officials said mock drills are being conducted at various locations to assess preparedness and improve coordination among different agencies in handling potential emergencies.
A mock drill was conducted on Friday at the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag, Amod Nagpure, said the Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure its smooth conduct.
He said around 140 companies of CAPF have been deployed from Anantnag town up to the cave shrine.
Besides, specialised units of JK Police, including Markhor, Snow Leopard teams, MRTs, SOG and QRTs, have been stationed at strategic locations.
“We have divided the entire district into 19 security zones, each supervised by senior police officers. Checking and frisking have been intensified, while preventive measures are also being taken against individuals with questionable backgrounds or suspected links to anti-national activities,” he said.
The SSP said extensive area domination and sanitisation operations are underway in hilly and forested areas in coordination with the Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
“All routes, tracks, ravines and streams are being thoroughly checked to eliminate any security loopholes and ensure a secure pilgrimage,” he said.
Nagpure said more than 400 advanced CCTV cameras have been installed across Anantnag district and are being monitored from police control rooms.
“The facial recognition system introduced last year has been further strengthened. The database has been expanded and additional facial recognition cameras have been installed at new locations,” he said.
The SSP said police have also launched the ‘Pehchan App’ to verify all service providers associated with the Yatra.
“Each registered service provider has been issued a unique QR code. Pilgrims, tourists and security personnel can scan the code, even without internet connectivity, to verify their credentials,” he said.
The SSP said that 28 elevated bunkers and watchtowers have been established along the entire Yatra route, compared to 14 last year.
“In addition, sniper deployments have been organised at various vulnerable locations to strengthen the security grid,” he said.
Expressing confidence over the arrangements, Nagpure said the combined efforts of the police, district administration and local residents would ensure the safe and successful conduct of this year’s pilgrimage.
“I appeal to all devotees to undertake the pilgrimage without fear. Anantnag Police and the people of the district are ready to welcome them,” he said. (KNO)
