LG Sinha flags off first batch of 4822 pilgrims from Jammu
Jammu Tawi, Jul 2: The Amarnath Yatra 2026 formally commenced on Thursday with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu amid elaborate security arrangements.
Officials said the convoy of 259 vehicles entered Kashmir through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund before proceeding to the twin base camps at Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan in Pahalgam.
Of the total pilgrims, 2,510 are travelling via the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route, while 2,312 have chosen the shorter Baltal route. The first batch comprises 3,707 men, 816 women, 16 children, 246 sadhus and 37 sadhvis. The convoy included 106 buses, 39 medium motor vehicles, 111 light motor vehicles and three two-wheelers.
Flagging off the Yatra, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said all departments have made comprehensive arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage. He said adequate security, healthcare, accommodation, sanitation, drinking water, electricity and other essential facilities have been put in place. Describing the pilgrimage as “a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening,” he wished devotees a safe, comfortable and spiritually fulfilling journey.
The pilgrims received a traditional welcome upon entering Kashmir. At Qazigund, the District Administration Kulgam, led by Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Alam, senior police officers and local residents greeted the yatris with flower showers and traditional hospitality. Similar receptions were organised at Panthachowk in Srinagar and later at the Nunwan Base Camp in Anantnag, where senior civil and police officers assured pilgrims of all necessary arrangements.
Officials said elaborate facilities have been established at both Baltal and Nunwan base camps and along the Yatra routes, including accommodation, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water, electricity, communication services and langars. Facilitation centres have also been set up to provide pilgrims with essential items such as SIM cards, warm clothing, trekking gear and footwear.
Authorities have deployed a multi-layered security grid for this year’s Yatra. Nearly 670 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces have been stationed across Jammu and Kashmir. Security arrangements include drone surveillance, AI-assisted crowd monitoring, RFID tracking of pilgrims and the newly launched ‘PEHCHAAN’ mobile application for real-time information and emergency assistance.
Thirty Mountain Rescue Teams equipped with specialised rescue gear, medical supplies and communication systems have also been deployed along both routes to respond to emergencies. Helicopter services remain suspended this year as part of enhanced security measures.
The 57-day annual Amarnath Yatra will formally begin from the Baltal and Pahalgam routes on July 3.
