Ishfaq gulzar cni
Srinagar, , cni: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that despite a brief setback in Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra registrations following the April 22 incident, preparations are in full swing and more than 85,000 pilgrims have confirmed their participation so far.
Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar, LG Sinha revealed that before the incident, over 2.36 lakh devotees had registered. “The numbers dipped slightly, but the momentum is picking up again. We are confident more pilgrims will join in the coming days,” he said.
He noted that last year saw a record turnout of 5.12 lakh pilgrims, the highest in 12 years. Although this year has seen a 10.19% drop so far, authorities remain optimistic.
Due to multiple past incidents and ongoing safety concerns, helicopter services for the Yatra have been suspended this year. However, Sinha pointed out that these services accounted for only 8% of total pilgrim traffic in previous years, so the overall impact will be minimal.
To enhance safety and ease of movement, both the Baltal and Chandanwari-Pahalgam routes have been widened from 4–5 feet to 12 feet. “Earlier, rain used to disrupt movement on narrow tracks, but now these vulnerable points have been secured with cross-barriers,” Sinha said.
Permanent accommodation facilities are under construction at Baltal and Nunwan camps, and despite minor weather-related delays, major portions will be ready this year. Both base camps now house 100-bed hospitals, with additional doctors and paramedics deployed.
The LG highlighted that the Zero Landfill goal is being achieved again this year, with coordinated efforts by the Shrine Board and Rural and Urban Development Departments to maintain cleanliness.
Technology has also been leveraged. RFID-based tracking is in place for all pilgrims and service providers, following eKYC verification. Surveillance is backed by high-definition cameras and a modern command-and-control centre operating round-the-clock. A dedicated police control room is also monitoring the Yatra in real-time.
To streamline movement, a new footover bridge has been built at Nunwan, eliminating duplicate check-ins and ensuring smoother entry to the camp. Additionally, the convoy system from Lakhanpur to the Valley has been made more efficient.
A comprehensive three-tier security arrangement is in place across all camps and routes, with the J&K Police, Army, and CAPFs jointly deployed. All service providers have been verified, and pilgrims are covered under insurance, with emergency response mechanisms active throughout the pilgrimage.
LG Sinha also acknowledged the vital role of local residents in ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere for yatris. “The love and hospitality extended by the people of Kashmir cannot be matched anywhere else,” he remarked.
He concluded by confirming that Muharram processions in Srinagar will follow the same traditional routes as last year, with full arrangements in place to ensure peaceful and respectful observance. (Cni)