Srinagar, July 1, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has taken significant steps to ensure a safe, comfortable, and seamless Amarnath Yatra 2025, set to commence on July 3. On June 30, 2025, LG Sinha visited the Baltal Base Camp to review the progress of critical infrastructure and inaugurated the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board’s (SASB) Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, dedicating it to the pilgrims of Baba Amarnath. These initiatives, coupled with enhanced disaster management and healthcare facilities, underscore the administration’s commitment to a pilgrim-centric experience despite the shadow of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.Robust Preparations at Baltal Base CampDuring his visit to Baltal, LG Sinha conducted an on-site inspection of the Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex, ensuring readiness for the 38-day pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave Shrine. He reviewed arrangements for healthcare, power, communication, water supply, sanitation, food, lodging, weather forecasting, traffic management, and security. Emphasising a zero-waste pilgrimage, Sinha launched a comprehensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign and innovative initiatives by the Directorate of Rural Sanitation to promote sustainability. The Baltal Base Camp, a key starting point for the shorter Baltal route, has been equipped with eco-friendly clean-up measures and 2,693 sanitation units, supported by 7,361 sanitation workers across both Yatra routes.
At the Baltal Base Camp Hospital, LG Sinha inspected healthcare facilities and inaugurated a dedicated training ward for medical staff to enhance emergency preparedness. “This year, arrangements have seen substantial improvement across all fronts. The civil administration, security forces, and the Shrine Board are working in close coordination to provide a safe, smooth, and comfortable Yatra experience,” Sinha stated.

Yatri Niwas Inaugurations: Enhancing Pilgrim ComfortOn June 30, LG Sinha inaugurated the SASB’s Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, a donor-funded facility designed to accommodate 1,300 pilgrims. The five-story building features 75 rooms with a bed capacity of 225 and 43 dorm rooms, offering modern amenities for devotees. “This Yatri Niwas is a symbol of our dedication and commitment to provide better facilities for the devotees of Baba Barfani and to make their pilgrimage more comfortable and safe,” Sinha remarked during the inauguration, attended by senior officials including Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG and CEO of SASB, and Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir. The second phase of the Yatri Niwas construction is slated to begin soon, further expanding capacity.
LG Sinha also reviewed the progress of the Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Centre at Nunwan Base Camp on June 29, where he inaugurated a foot overbridge to facilitate smoother pilgrim movement and efficient security checks. At Chandanwari, he inspected medical facilities and interacted with healthcare staff to ensure immediate medical support for pilgrims.
Response to Security ChallengesThe April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, initially dampened Yatra registrations. However, LG Sinha’s proactive measures, including drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), and facial recognition systems along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, have restored confidence. “All stakeholders—SASB, administration, police, and security forces—have diligently implemented pilgrim-centric measures to ensure the pilgrimage is peaceful, safe, and hassle-free,” Sinha affirmed. The administration has also ensured 5,613 toilets and bathing units across both routes, with 15 solid waste management facilities to maintain cleanliness.
Economic and Spiritual SignificanceThe Amarnath Yatra, a journey to the 3,880-meter-high cave shrine, is a cornerstone of Jammu and Kashmir’s spiritual and economic landscape. The enhanced facilities, including the new Yatri Niwas and improved healthcare infrastructure, are expected to boost local tourism and support businesses such as hotels, transport, and vendors. LG Sinha expressed gratitude to SASB member Mukesh Garg and the team for their contributions to the Yatri Niwas, emphasising its role as a testament to selfless service.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Yatra Duration | July 3 – August 9, 2025 (38 days) |
Key Inaugurations | Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk (1,300 pilgrims), foot overbridge at Nunwan |
Baltal Base Camp | Disaster Management & Yatri Niwas Complex progress reviewed; training ward inaugurated |
Healthcare | Training ward at Baltal Base Camp Hospital; medical facilities at Chandanwari |
Sanitation | 5,613 toilets/bathing units (2,920 Pahalgam, 2,693 Baltal); 7,361 workers |
Security | Drone surveillance, CCTV, QRTs, facial recognition systems |
Sustainability | IEC campaign, zero-waste initiatives, 15 solid waste management facilities |
Yatri Niwas Features | 75 rooms (225 beds), 43 dorm rooms; second phase construction planned |
Key Official | LG Manoj Sinha, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari (CEO, SASB) |