Srinagar, June 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday announced that the annual Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and run for 52 days until August 24. He assured that the administration is fully prepared with robust security, health, and environmental measures to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
Addressing media in Srinagar, Sinha said RFID tracking will be mandatory for all pilgrims to enable real-time monitoring. He detailed a three-tier security system across base camps and along the pilgrimage route, supported by high-resolution surveillance cameras and increased deployment of forces. Mock drills have also been conducted as part of the preparedness.
To bolster healthcare services, 100-bed hospitals have been set up at each base camp with emergency teams on standby. Environmental efforts, including a zero-waste corridor, are being led by the Rural Development Department, continuing initiatives launched last year.
Following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 pilgrims, Sinha acknowledged a temporary 10% dip in registrations, though numbers are now recovering. “Public confidence is returning,” he said, noting that 2.36 lakh people had registered before the attack.
Due to security and logistical concerns, helicopter services will not operate this year. Sinha urged pilgrims, especially those in private vehicles, to strictly follow convoy protocols between Jammu and the base camps.
On the security front, coordinated measures involving the J&K Police, Army, and CAPFs have been put in place. Additional safety initiatives will be disclosed in the coming days.
Sinha also confirmed that the Muharram-8 procession in Srinagar will follow the traditional route, continuing the decision from last year. He appealed to Kashmiris to maintain their longstanding tradition of hospitality toward Yatra pilgrims, describing it as “unmatched in the country.”
Only 8% of pilgrims usually use helicopter services, Sinha noted, expressing confidence that their absence will not disrupt the overall experience.
