Amarnath Yatra 2025
CS reviews final preparations at base camp; Multi-layer security & traffic plans in place
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is set to flag off the first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Wednesday.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine will begin amidst heightened security arrangements and meticulous planning by the administration.
The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine, nestled in the Himalayas of south Kashmir, will commence on July 3 via two routes — the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 9. So far, more than 3.31 lakh pilgrims have registered for this year’s yatra, reflecting a surge in participation.
Officials confirmed that on-the-spot registration has also begun in Jammu, with nearly 4,000 tokens distributed in just the past two days.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar confirmed that the first batch of pilgrims will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the twin base camps in Kashmir tomorrow morning and will be flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Over 3,500 pilgrims have already arrived at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, the main transit point in Jammu for devotees heading to the shrine.
In light of the massive movement of people and vehicles expected during the yatra, comprehensive security and traffic management plans have been put in place. Pilgrims will travel to Kashmir under heavy security escort, with special traffic restrictions, CCTV-monitored routes, and area domination operations in place along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
A daily traffic advisory system will remain active from July 2 to August 9 to ensure minimal disruption to the public and smooth passage for the yatris.
The Lieutenant Governor, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), chaired a high-level meeting to review all security and logistical arrangements.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and senior officers from both civil and police administration. During the meeting, LG Sinha emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding traffic advisories and stressed close coordination among district administrations, SSPs, traffic police, and other stakeholder departments to ensure the safe and smooth movement of pilgrims.
On the ground, Jammu has been transformed into a high-security zone, with the Security Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police taking charge of the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) overseeing the surrounding security perimeter. The use of surveillance technology, including CCTVs and drones, has been enhanced to monitor sensitive areas throughout the region.
He also visited the high-security Bhagwati Nagar base camp here to review the final arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra, and expressed optimism about the increasing number of devotees arriving from across the country.
Amid multi-tier security cover, the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims will be flagged off by the LG on Wednesday for the twin base camps in Kashmir, marking the formal commencement of this year’s pilgrimage from Jammu.
“I have witnessed the last four yatras, and from the perspective of pilgrims and facilities, the arrangements this time are better than before. From the security point of view as well, the forces have made foolproof arrangements,” Sinha told reporters during his visit to the base camp on Tuesday evening.
The LG was greeted by enthusiastic devotees chanting “Bum Bum Bhole”, “Har Har Mahadev”, and “Baba Barfani Ki Jai” as the atmosphere at the base camp turned devotional. He interacted with the pilgrims, who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.
“Considering the way devotees are pouring in from across the country, I hope the numbers will increase in the coming days,” he said, adding that more than 5,000 pilgrims have already arrived in Jammu.
Seeking the support of the people of Jammu and the wider region, Sinha said, “I seek the support and cooperation of the media and every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. This yatra belongs to everyone. It is not just the responsibility of the administration or security forces.”
Upholding the traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, the LG said he was confident that this year’s pilgrimage would be highly successful. “There will be an excellent response from every batch—just keep watching,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo visited the Bhagwati Nagar base camp and reviewed the final arrangements for the yatra.
Accompanied by senior officers, he inspected facilities related to lodging, sanitation, health, and community kitchens. He also held a detailed review meeting and interacted with pilgrims who have already arrived. Addressing the media, Dulloo assured that all departments have completed preparations on ground, including the deployment of an RFID (radio frequency identification) system for pilgrim tracking. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, safe, and memorable pilgrimage experience for every devotee.
As the sacred yatra begins, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to facilitate a spiritually fulfilling and logistically seamless journey for the thousands of pilgrims undertaking this annual spiritual quest through the majestic Himalayas.
