Amarnath Yatra set to commence from Friday

Srinagar, Jun 30: The annual Amarnath Yatra is all set to commence on July 3 amidst unprecedented multi-layer security arrangements.
According to reports, the authorities are conducting mock drills, deploying specialised rescue teams, regulating traffic and railway operations, and centralising official communication to ensure the smooth conduct of the 57-day pilgrimage.
The first batch of pilgrims will leave the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2 for the twin routes of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Pahalgam in Anantnag district. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Ahead of the Yatra, Srinagar Police on Tuesday conducted a multi-agency mock drill at the Transit Yatri Camp in Pantha Chowk to test preparedness for emergencies, including a fidayeen attack, road accidents, medical emergencies, evacuation and rescue operations.
The exercise involved personnel from the police, CAPFs, Traffic Police, State Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, Civil Administration and ambulance services. Officials said the drill focused on response time, communication, coordination and adherence to standard operating procedures before a detailed debriefing to identify operational gaps.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance across Jammu and Kashmir, with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police and other Central Armed Police Forces maintaining round-the-clock vigil on highways, transit camps, pilgrimage routes and key installations.
The CRPF has deployed a 30-member specialised Mountain Rescue Team along the Baltal route to respond to emergencies in the high-altitude terrain. Equipped with oxygen cylinders, portable stretchers, ropes, medicines and rescue equipment, the team will assist pilgrims in medical emergencies and coordinate with other agencies during natural disasters such as landslides or flash floods.
Authorities have also operationalised a 24×7 Command and Control Centre in Srinagar to monitor the movement of pilgrims through real-time surveillance and inter-agency coordination.
In a move aimed at preventing misinformation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has authorised only the Divisional Commissioners and Inspectors General of Police of Kashmir and Jammu divisions to brief the media on Yatra-related matters.
According to a circular issued by the Tourism Department, the designated officers will coordinate with the Information Department and the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board to ensure dissemination of verified information.
Traffic restrictions have also been imposed on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Heavy motor vehicles will not be allowed to move from Qazigund towards Jammu and from Jakheni in Udhampur towards Srinagar after 7 pm from July 1, while light motor vehicles will be permitted till 11 pm. During the pilgrimage, heavy vehicles will operate on alternate days depending on traffic conditions, with commuters advised to follow daily advisories.
Railway authorities have temporarily curtailed the Vistadome Special train service, which will operate only between Banihal and Budgam from July 1 to August 31 instead of its extended route to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, citing security requirements during the pilgrimage season.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg reviewed arrangements at Srinagar International Airport, including e-KYC counters, Yatra Facilitation Centres and passenger reception facilities. Officials said registration infrastructure has been significantly expanded this year, with the number of facilitation counters increased from 54 last year to 131, including additional e-KYC, RFID and on-the-spot registration counters at Srinagar airport, Pantha Chowk and Nowgam railway station.
Officials said the coordinated security, transport and facilitation measures are aimed at ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of this year’s pilgrimage. (KNO)