Srinagar, July 4, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced that over 20,000 devotees have participated in the ongoing Baba Amarnath Yatra so far, marking a significant turnout for the annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine. The yatra, which began on June 29, 2025, has seen robust arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth experience for pilgrims, with heightened security and facilities in place.Key Highlights of the Baba Amarnath Yatra 2025
- Devotee Count: Over 20,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath Cave Shrine as of July 4, 2025.
- Routes: Pilgrims access the shrine via two primary routes – the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal.
- Duration: The yatra commenced on June 29, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on August 19, 2025, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
- Security Measures: Enhanced security arrangements include over 3,000 personnel, drone surveillance, and RFID tracking for pilgrims.
- Facilities: Over 125 community kitchens (langars) and 1,000 volunteers are supporting pilgrims with food, medical aid, and other services.
LG Sinha’s StatementLieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while reviewing arrangements, expressed satisfaction with the preparations and emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring a hassle-free pilgrimage. “The devotion of the pilgrims is inspiring, and we are working tirelessly to provide them with the best facilities, safety, and support,” Sinha said during a visit to base camps in Nunwan and Baltal.Table: Key Statistics of Baba Amarnath Yatra 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Devotees (as of July 4) | Over 20,000 |
| Yatra Start Date | June 29, 2025 |
| Yatra End Date | August 19, 2025 |
| Primary Routes | Nunwan-Pahalgam (48 km), Baltal (14 km) |
| Security Personnel | Over 3,000 |
| Community Kitchens | 125+ |
| Volunteers | 1,000+ |
| Medical Facilities | 50+ health camps, oxygen booths |
Arrangements and Infrastructure
- Security: The Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other agencies have deployed extensive security measures, including CCTV monitoring, quick response teams, and disaster management units to tackle natural calamities like landslides.
- Health Services: Over 50 health camps equipped with oxygen booths and emergency medical teams have been set up along both routes.
- Connectivity: RFID cards are mandatory for tracking pilgrims, ensuring safety and efficient crowd management.
- Eco-Friendly Measures: The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has introduced waste management initiatives and banned single-use plastics to preserve the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Challenges and PreparationsDespite the smooth conduct so far, the yatra faces challenges due to the high-altitude terrain (13,000 feet) and unpredictable weather. The administration has prepared for potential disruptions by:
- Deploying snow-clearing teams along the routes.
- Establishing helipads for emergency evacuations.
- Providing weather updates through dedicated channels for pilgrims.
Conclusion
The Baba Amarnath Yatra continues to draw thousands of devotees from across India, with the administration ensuring robust arrangements to facilitate a spiritually fulfilling and safe journey. LG Sinha’s proactive oversight and the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies have been pivotal in managing the influx of over 20,000 pilgrims in the initial days of the yatra.
