Ganderbal, June 30, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited Baltal Base Camp today to launch a comprehensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign and innovative initiatives by the Rural Development Department to ensure a sustainable and zero-waste Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, starting July 3. These measures aim to promote cleanliness, responsible tourism, and environmental protection, aligning with the administration’s commitment to a safe, hassle-free, and eco-friendly pilgrimage.
IEC Campaign and Sustainability Initiatives
Building on efforts from 2023, LG Sinha introduced measures to make the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra a zero-landfill pilgrimage. The Rural Development Department, in collaboration with Swaaha Resource Management, rolled out tools to encourage behavioral change among pilgrims and stakeholders, including:
- Free reusable cloth bags to eliminate polythene use.
- Yatra Anthem by singer Shaan Mukherji to promote sustainable tourism.
- MIS Portal and Web App for real-time waste process monitoring.
- Movable inflatable mascots, touch screen kiosks, audio jingles, IEC posters, and banners to educate on cleanliness and zero-waste practices.
- Guidelines for pilgrims and langars (community kitchens) to avoid plastic and ensure sustainability.
LG Sinha stated, “Zero-waste pilgrimage is our resolve. The IEC campaign is transitioning into Behavioral Change Communication, fostering responsibility towards the environment and natural heritage.” He praised the Rural Development Department and Swaaha Resource Management for their model, suggesting it as a replicable framework for other pilgrimages like the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.
Comprehensive Preparations at Baltal Base Camp
LG Sinha also reviewed arrangements by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), district administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and security forces to ensure a peaceful and safe pilgrimage. The 14-km Baltal route, one of two primary paths to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath Cave Shrine, is equipped with tents, sanitation, medical facilities, and accommodation. Security measures include a multi-layered plan with CRPF, Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, drone surveillance, K-9 squads, women commandos, and jammers. Mock drills for landslides and emergencies have been conducted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The following table summarizes key arrangements and initiatives at Baltal Base Camp:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Sustainability | Reusable cloth bags, Yatra Anthem, MIS Portal, Web App, mascots, kiosks, jingles, posters, banners, plastic-free guidelines. |
| Security | Multi-layered plan with CRPF, J&K Police, Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, drones, K-9 squads, women commandos, jammers. |
| Infrastructure | Tents, sanitation, medical facilities, accommodation for pilgrims. |
| Emergency Preparedness | NDMA-led mock drills for landslides and natural disasters. |
| Yatra Schedule | July 3 to August 9, 2025; first batch departs July 2 from Jammu. |
| Registration | Offline registration started at Saraswati Dham, Jammu, on June 30. |
Community and Administrative Efforts
The Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, reviewed arrangements on June 28, focusing on accommodation, sanitation, and essential services. LG Sinha also visited Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps on June 29, inaugurating a foot overbridge at Nunwan to streamline pilgrim movement and security checks. Local service providers, including ponywalas, pithoowalas, and palkiwalas, are ready to support devotees along the Baltal route.
Conclusion
The launch of the IEC campaign and sustainable initiatives at Baltal Base Camp reflects a holistic approach to making the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 environmentally responsible and pilgrim-friendly. With robust security, infrastructure, and disaster preparedness, the administration, SASB, and security forces are ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching experience for devotees.
