Srinagar, July 5, 2025 – The fourth batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra embarked on their sacred journey from Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday morning, under stringent security arrangements. This 38-day pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3, 2025, and is set to conclude on August 9, 2025, continues to draw thousands of devotees to the holy Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The shrine houses a naturally formed ice Shivling, revered as a manifestation of Lord Shiva.Key Details of the 4th Batch DepartureThe fourth batch of devotees left Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk, in Srinagar, in escorted convoys, as part of the ongoing efforts to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage. While exact numbers for the fourth batch were not detailed in available reports, the third batch, which departed on July 4, consisted of 6,411 pilgrims in 291 vehicles, indicating a similar scale for subsequent batches. The pilgrims are traveling via two primary routes: the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter, steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure Location | Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Date | July 5, 2025 |
| Routes | Pahalgam (48 km) and Baltal (14 km) |
| Security Measures | Multi-layered security grid, CRPF with K-9 squads, AI-powered CCTV, drones |
| Pilgrimage Duration | July 3, 2025 – August 9, 2025 |
Unprecedented Security ArrangementsFollowing a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists, authorities have implemented a robust, multi-tiered security framework to safeguard pilgrims. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a critical artery for the Yatra, is under real-time surveillance with AI-powered CCTV systems and drone monitoring. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), supported by K-9 dog squads, is conducting continuous patrols, particularly in sensitive areas like the Udhampur sector.
Additional security measures include:
- Facial-recognition systems and designation of Yatra routes as no-fly zones.
- Over 581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, with 219 from the CRPF, deployed across the routes.
- More than 20 daily cordon and search operations (CASO) along the routes and surrounding forest belts, involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, and CRPF.
- Checkpoints established along NH-44, with four key points in Kishtwar district alone, including the main checkpoint at Baggar.
- A mock landslide drill conducted at Samroli, Toldi Nallah, to enhance disaster response readiness.
Devotees have expressed confidence in these arrangements. A pilgrim at the Pahalgam base camp stated, “We are not afraid of terrorism. The facilities are excellent. We are thankful to the Shrine Board.”
Devotee Enthusiasm and Local SupportDespite security concerns, the spirit of the pilgrims remains unshaken. Over 26,000 devotees have visited the holy cave in the first two days of the Yatra, with 14,515 recorded on July 4 alone. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who inaugurated the Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal on July 4, noted, “There is an atmosphere of celebration across J&K. Pilgrims are feeling blessed to be part of this journey of faith and tradition.”
Local communities have extended warm hospitality, with residents in Kulgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal greeting pilgrims with flowers and placards. Mushtaq Pahalgami, head of a local alliance, emphasized, “Let’s walk together in the spirit of peace, unity, and brotherhood. We will not allow those who intend to disturb Kashmir to win.” BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur, while welcoming pilgrims at Pantha Chowk Yatri Niwas on July 3, praised their “unwavering faith and dedication,” calling them symbols of “unity, courage, and spiritual strength.”
Infrastructure and FacilitiesThe Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, has enhanced facilities for pilgrims:
- Yatri Niwas Complexes: The newly inaugurated Baltal facility, developed by ONGC under its CSR initiative, can accommodate 800 pilgrims and includes registration services. Similar facilities are under construction at Sidhra, Nunwan, and Bijbehara at a cost of Rs 240 crore.
- Medical Support: The Ramban Health Department has set up 17 medical camps, with mini hospitals at strategic locations like Yatri Niwas Chanderkot, equipped with four-bed facilities and ECG units. Four ambulances have been provided by the National Highway Authority.
- Route Improvements: Widened tracks, safety railings, and grid-powered lighting ensure safer travel and 24/7 monitoring.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Yatri Niwas (Baltal) | Accommodates 800 pilgrims, includes registration facilities, built by ONGC |
| Medical Camps | 17 camps, mini hospitals with ECG units, 4 ambulances |
| Route Enhancements | Widened tracks, safety railings, grid-powered lighting |
| Registration | Over 3.5 lakh pilgrims registered online, on-site counters available |
Economic and Cultural SignificanceThe Yatra is seen as a beacon of hope for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, which was impacted by the Pahalgam attack. Locals anticipate a revival through increased pilgrimage-related activities. The event also symbolizes communal harmony, with BJP spokesperson Darakhshan Andrabi stating, “The Yatra is a powerful symbol of communal harmony in Kashmir.”
Conclusion
The departure of the fourth batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk, underscores the resilience and devotion of devotees, undeterred by past security challenges. With robust security measures, enhanced infrastructure, and strong local support, the 2025 Amarnath Yatra is poised to be a historic and spiritually fulfilling journey for lakhs of devotees
