Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday directed security and administrative agencies to establish a multi-layered and impregnable security grid for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, with extensive deployment of modern surveillance technologies to ensure a peaceful and safe pilgrimage.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in New Delhi ahead of the annual pilgrimage beginning July 3, Shah stressed that the safety of devotees remains the top priority of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.
The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka, CRPF Director General GP Singh and other senior security and administrative officials.
Reviewing preparedness, the Home Minister directed Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies to ensure close coordination and maintain a robust security presence across the Yatra routes and camp sites.
He emphasised strengthening conventional security arrangements through extensive use of drones, CCTV surveillance, advanced monitoring systems and modern technology to improve situational awareness and response capability.
Shah also instructed deployment of senior officers from CAPFs and J&K Police at key camp locations to continuously monitor arrangements on the ground throughout the pilgrimage.
On logistical preparedness, he called for comprehensive arrangements covering pilgrim registration, accommodation, healthcare services and disaster management to ensure smooth conduct of the Yatra.
To improve accountability and streamline management, Shah directed registration of all individuals associated with the pilgrimage, including local service providers and animals used during the Yatra. He instructed issuance of QR code-based identity cards and establishment of veterinary camps for animal health monitoring.
The Home Minister further said that movement of pilgrim batches should be regulated strictly according to weather forecasts and ground conditions to minimise risks.
He also directed authorities to strengthen security arrangements at major tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir beyond the Yatra routes so that visiting pilgrims can travel safely and without disruption.
The annual 57-day Amarnath Yatra to the 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine in the Himalayas will commence on July 3. Pilgrims will undertake the journey through the traditional 48-km Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
