The Kashmir Dialogues
Says, Muharram Processions to Follow Last Year’s Routes
Srinagar, June 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday announced that over 85,000 pilgrims have confirmed their Amarnath Yatra after initial setbacks, and assured that preparations for both the Yatra and Muharram processions are in place.
Addressing a press Conference in Srinagar LG Sinha said, “Prior to April 22, 2,36,801 people had registered for the Yatra. After the recent incident, we witnessed a slight drop, but as of yesterday, more than 85,000 have reconfirmed their participation, and I am hopeful the numbers will rise further in the coming days.”
He said that last year the Amarnath Yatra witnessed its highest footfall in 12 years, with 5.12 lakh pilgrims attending. The Lieutenant Governor announced that helicopter services have been suspended this year due to safety and security concerns. “Previous years have seen incidents related to helicopters, and safety remains our utmost priority. Since only about eight percent of pilgrims used helicopters, this decision will have minimal impact,” he added.
The LG informed that both the Baltal and Chandanwari–Pahalgam routes have been widened from four–five feet to 12 feet, making the paths safer for pilgrims. “Several vulnerable spots have been secured with cross barriers. Earlier, rains caused serious issues due to narrow pathways, but now the feedback from yatris has been very encouraging,” he said.
He announced that permanent accommodation facilities are being constructed at both the Baltal and Nunwan base camps. Despite delays caused by weather, the majority of these works will be completed this year.
LG Sinha further stated that both base camps now have 100–bed hospitals and additional medical staff and doctors have been deployed. “The medical facilities have seen significant improvement this year,” he emphasized.
He added that the Zero Landfill target has been successfully implemented for the second year running. “The Shrine Board, along with the Rural Development and Urban Development departments, is working closely to maintain a clean environment throughout the Yatra,” he said.
He revealed that the RFID–based tracking system, introduced three years ago, is in use for all pilgrims and service providers. “After eKYC verification, RFID cards are issued. High–definition cameras and a state–of–the–art command and control center are monitoring the Yatra 24×7, complemented by a dedicated police control room,” he added.
The LG said that a more efficient convoy system has been implemented from Lakhanpur to Jammu and beyond, and that a new foot–over bridge at the Nunwan base camp has eliminated double check–ins, allowing for faster movement of pilgrims.
On security, he emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed in a three–tier structure, making it the strongest security cover to date. All service providers have been thoroughly vetted, he confirmed.
He also announced that comprehensive insurance and emergency response arrangements have been put in place by the Shrine Board and the administration. “We are fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise during the Yatra,” he asserted.
Appreciating the role of locals, LG Sinha said, “The warmth and hospitality shown by the people of Kashmir towards the Yatris is unmatched across the country.”
Responding to a question about Muharram processions in Srinagar, LG Sinha stated that the processions will be conducted along the same traditional routes as last year.
