Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, June 30

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have completed security and logistical preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha set to flag off the first batch of yatris from Jammu on July 2 ahead of the formal commencement of the yatra a day later.

Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said Sinha, who also serves as chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, would flag off the first convoy from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at 4 a.m. on July 2 for the twin routes leading to the Himalayan cave shrine via Pahalgam and Baltal.

The annual pilgrimage will officially begin from both routes on July 3, with authorities saying elaborate arrangements have been put in place across the five districts forming part of the Jammu division’s yatra corridor.

Officials said accommodation, medical facilities, sanitation, power and water supply, transport, RFID registration centres and security infrastructure have been established to facilitate the movement of tens of thousands of pilgrims expected during the pilgrimage.

Addressing a press conference, Kumar said accommodation had been arranged for around 55,000 pilgrims across government facilities, temporary shelters and camps established with support from civil society organisations. More than 2,000 toilets have also been installed at base camps, transit points and along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti said security had been strengthened with multiple protective layers along the 260-kilometre pilgrimage route, transit camps and langar sites.

He urged pilgrims to travel only through the designated National Highway-44 corridor, adhere strictly to official convoy schedules and avoid unauthorised routes, warning that alternative roads, including Mughal Road and Dhar Road, would not be permitted for yatra traffic.

Police also advised pilgrims to rely exclusively on the official Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board registration system after reports of fraudulent websites and unauthorised social media groups offering fake registrations.

Authorities said pilgrims entering Jammu and Kashmir through Lakhanpur after the prescribed evening deadline would be required to halt overnight before joining escorted convoys the following morning, as part of enhanced security arrangements.

Civil administration and police officials also met representatives of religious organisations, trade bodies and civil society groups, seeking cooperation to ensure the annual pilgrimage is conducted safely and without disruption.