Srinagar, July 5, 2025 – In response to a minor accident involving Amarnath pilgrims, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha issued comprehensive safety directives to ensure the well-being of devotees undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The directives come in the wake of a collision at Chanderkote, Ramban, where a Pahalgam-bound vehicle suffered brake failure, injuring 36 pilgrims. All injured pilgrims received prompt medical attention and resumed their journey to the holy cave shrine.Lieutenant Governor Sinha emphasized the priority of pilgrim safety, stating, “By the blessings of Lord Shiva, all the devotees are safe. Our priority is the safety of all pilgrims.” He directed officials to implement stringent safety measures for vehicles and ensure uninterrupted availability of essential services along the Yatra route.Incident OverviewOn July 5, 2025, a vehicle collision occurred at Chanderkote when a Pahalgam-bound bus, due to brake failure, collided with stationary vehicles at the Chanderkote Langer site. The accident resulted in minor injuries to 36 pilgrims, who were promptly treated at the district hospital and discharged to continue their pilgrimage. The swift response by the district administration and health officials was commended by the Lieutenant Governor.Safety Directives IssuedLieutenant Governor Sinha held discussions with senior officials, including Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, and Mohammad Alyas Khan, Deputy Commissioner Ramban, to ensure immediate assistance for the injured and to strengthen safety protocols. The directives focus on vehicular safety, route management, and pilgrim welfare.Table: Key Safety Directives for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra
Directive | Description | Responsible Authority |
---|---|---|
Comprehensive Vehicle Safety Checks | Implement thorough safety inspections for all pilgrim vehicles to prevent incidents like brake failure. | District Administration, Transport Department |
Safety Checks at Key Locations | Conduct regular safety audits at critical points along the Yatra route, including Chanderkote and base camps. | Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police |
Uninterrupted Food and Medicine Supply | Ensure continuous availability of food, medicines, and essential services at all Yatra route stops. | District Administration, Health Department |
Enhanced Security Measures | Deploy multi-layered security with facial recognition, CRPF surveillance, and K-9 squads along the Jammu-Srinagar Highway. | J&K Police, Central Reserve Police Force |
Telecom Connectivity | Deploy dedicated nodal officers to ensure seamless telecommunication services along Baltal and Pahalgam routes. | Telecom Companies, District Administration |
Disaster Management Preparedness | Strengthen Disaster Management Centres at Nunwan and other key locations to handle emergencies. | Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, District Administration |
Ongoing Efforts for a Safe YatraThe Lieutenant Governor’s directives build on prior preparations for the 38-day Yatra, which began on July 3, 2025. Earlier measures include the inauguration of a foot overbridge at Nunwan base camp, the launch of the Trinetra App for real-time safety alerts, and the deployment of 45,000 security personnel with advanced surveillance technology. Despite a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives and initially reduced registrations by 10%, over 3.5 lakh devotees have registered for this year’s pilgrimage, reflecting growing public confidence.Sinha also highlighted infrastructure improvements, such as widened tracks, safety railings, and grid power connectivity from Panchtarni to Chandanwari, aimed at ensuring a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage. The administration, in collaboration with the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, J&K Police, and security forces, remains on high alert to facilitate a smooth journey for all pilgrims.Community and Official ResponseThe Lieutenant Governor applauded the district administration’s swift response to the Chanderkote incident and encouraged civil society, religious leaders, and local communities to support the Yatra’s smooth conduct. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in prior meetings, emphasized robust security arrangements, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to pilgrim safety.The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, a significant spiritual journey to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine, continues to draw thousands of devotees daily, with the administration prioritizing safety and comfort to ensure a historic and peaceful pilgrimage.