Srinagar, Jul 11: To ensure safe and smooth conduct of the 38-day annual Amarnath Yatra, the Indian Army has rolled out Operation SHIVA 2025, deploying more than 8,500 troops alongside advanced surveillance and combat technology.
Official sources informed that a large-scale operation, launched in coordination with the Civil Administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), is designed to provide a multi-layered security grid along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. This year’s deployment comes amid increased security concerns following the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, with threats emanating from Pakistan-backed proxy elements.
They said that as part of the extensive deployment, a dedicated counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) grid featuring over 50 C-UAS and EW (Electronic Warfare) systems has been positioned to counter drone-based threats. “Live surveillance via UAVs (drones) and PTZ camera feeds is actively monitoring Yatra convoys and the Holy Cave. Engineer task forces have been mobilised for infrastructure tasks like bridge laying, track widening, and landslide mitigation,” they added.
The operation also includes over 150 doctors and paramedics, two Advanced Dressing Stations, nine Medical Aid Posts, a 100-bed hospital, and 26 oxygen booths backed by 2 lakh litres of oxygen, sources said, adding that Signal companies, EME technical detachments, and Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads have also been deployed.
Provisioning of emergency rations for 25,000 people, quick reaction teams (QRTs), tent cities, water supply points, and essential plant equipment, they added.
The Army is utilising real-time convoy tracking from Jammu to the Holy Cave, integrating feeds from drones and high-resolution cameras. This technology-backed situational awareness is enabling swift threat detection and immediate coordination among agencies in case of emergencies.
Indian Army helicopters are on standby for rapid evacuation or any contingency response, adding an aerial dimension to the operational readiness, an official said.
“Operation SHIVA 2025 represents a comprehensive blend of manpower, technology, and preparedness to ensure a secure and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees,” he added.
The Yatra, which commenced on July 3, will conclude on August 9.
1.63 lakh devotees perform Darshan at Holy Cave
Srinagar, Jul 11: Over 18,000 pilgrims on Friday paid obeisance to Lord Shiva at the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said.
A total of 18,010 pilgrims had darshan at the 3800-metre high holy cave shrine on Friday, they said.
The yatris included 12,838 males, 4,343 females, 223 children, 141 sadhus, eight sadhvis, two transgenders and 455 security forces personnel.
So far, a total of 1,63,726 yatris have visited the cave shrine since the yatra started on July 3, the officials added.
Meanwhile, more than 6,400 pilgrims, accompanied by a multi-tier security escort, left for the twin base camps of the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine of Amarnath in the south Kashmir Himalayas on Friday, officials said.
Over 1.30 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the shrine since the start of the 38-day annual yatra through the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 3.
Escorted by CRPF and police personnel, the 10th batch of 6,482 pilgrims, including 4,838 men, 1,387 women, 16 children, and 241 monks, left the Bhagwati Nagar camp here in 268 vehicles between 3:20 am and 4:04 am.
Officials said the first convoy, carrying 2,353 pilgrims in 107 vehicles, left for the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The second convoy of 161 vehicles is carrying 4,129 pilgrims who are undertaking the journey via the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.
With this, a total of 69,270 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp for the Valley since July 2, when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch.
More than 4 lakh people have registered online for the pilgrimage so far. Last year, over 5.10 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine, which houses a naturally formed ice lingam.
