Baltal, July 15, 2025 – The Border Security Force (BSF) Veterinary Team is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals supporting the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, providing essential medical care to horses, mules, and dogs engaged in operational and humanitarian duties along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. As thousands of devotees trek to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas, these unsung four-legged companions carry loads and assist security operations, with the BSF veterinary professionals ensuring their fitness and resilience.
“Essential medical care to animals is a cornerstone of our support for the Yatra,” a BSF spokesperson stated, highlighting the team’s tireless efforts. Comprising skilled veterinarians and support staff, the BSF Veterinary Team conducts regular health check-ups, administers vaccinations, and treats injuries to maintain the animals’ operational readiness. From addressing fatigue and wounds in horses and mules to ensuring the agility of sniffer dogs used in security sweeps, the team’s work is critical to the smooth conduct of the 38-day pilgrimage, which began on July 3 and continues until August 9.The veterinary team operates mobile clinics along key Yatra points, such as Domail Baltal base camp and Nunwan in Pahalgam, offering on-site treatment for ailments like lameness, dehydration, and infections. “While pilgrims walk the divine path, their animal companions carry the load. Specialised care includes monitoring for zoonotic diseases and providing nutritional support to animals working in challenging high-altitude terrains.
This initiative aligns with the BSF’s broader operational role, including bomb disposal squads securing the Yatra routes, and complements regional efforts like the Shrawan Mahotsav at Shiv Khori. The veterinary team’s expertise draws from rigorous training, with personnel like Head Constables (Veterinary) and Constables (Kennelman) requiring qualifications in veterinary science and animal handling, as outlined in recent BSF recruitment notifications.
The J&K Forest Department’s concurrent Van Mahotsav sapling-planting drive with the Tiger Division underscores the region’s focus on environmental and animal welfare, creating a synergy of humanitarian and ecological efforts. The BSF Veterinary Team’s dedication ensures that animals, vital to the Yatra’s success, remain healthy, embodying the motto “Service to all, Care for all.”
