Ganderbal, June 30, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Baltal Base Camp in Ganderbal district on Monday to assess the ongoing preparations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, set to commence on July 3. The visit underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful, safe, and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees heading to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine. The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), district administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, security forces, and other stakeholders have implemented comprehensive pilgrim-centric measures to facilitate a seamless spiritual journey.
Extensive Preparations for a Safe Pilgrimage
During his visit, LG Sinha reviewed critical arrangements, including security measures, infrastructure, sanitation, and emergency preparedness, to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims. The Baltal Base Camp, one of the two primary routes for the 38-day pilgrimage (the other being the 48-km Pahalgam route), is bustling with activity as locals and service providers prepare to welcome devotees. The shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route allows pilgrims to reach the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath Cave Shrine and return in a single day, making it a critical hub for the yatra.
In a post on X, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor stated, “Visited Baltal Base Camp, today and reviewed the preparedness ahead of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. SASB, Admin, Police, Security Forces, all stakeholders have diligently implemented pilgrim-centric measures to ensure the pilgrimage is peaceful, safe & hassle-free for devotees.”
Multi-Layered Security Framework
Security arrangements have been significantly bolstered in anticipation of the yatra. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have conducted extensive mock drills to test emergency response capabilities. A joint mock drill was held at Baltal Base Camp on June 25 under the supervision of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ganderbal, to enhance coordination among agencies and prepare for potential threats, including landslides and other natural disasters.
The CRPF has rolled out a robust multi-layered security plan along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), a vital route for pilgrims, incorporating drone surveillance, K-9 dog squads, and anti-sabotage checks. Additional measures include the deployment of women commandos, bulletproof vehicles, and jammers to ensure comprehensive protection.
A recent encounter in Basantgarh, Udhampur, highlighted the ongoing security challenges, with authorities tightening measures to counter potential threats from armed terrorists in the region. Anti-sabotage teams and advanced surveillance technologies are being utilized to enhance threat detection and response capabilities.
Infrastructure and Pilgrim Amenities
The Baltal Base Camp is transforming into a vibrant hub, with colorful tents, accommodation facilities, and essential services being set up to cater to pilgrims. Local service providers, including ponywalas, pithoowalas, and palkiwalas, are organizing their setups to ensure seamless support for devotees. “We are eagerly waiting for the yatris. This yatra is not just a spiritual journey but a lifeline for many of us,” said a local resident involved in the pilgrimage.
The SASB and district administration have prioritized sanitation, medical preparedness, and trauma counseling to address pilgrims’ needs. A mock drill conducted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on June 28 at Baltal focused on disaster preparedness, training officials on evacuation and coordination strategies.
The following table summarizes the key arrangements at Baltal Base Camp for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Security | Multi-layered plan with CRPF, J&K Police, Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF; drone surveillance, K-9 squads, women commandos, bulletproof vehicles, jammers. |
| Routes | 14-km Baltal route (shorter, steeper); 48-km Pahalgam route. |
| Infrastructure | Colorful tents, accommodation facilities, sanitation, medical services. |
| Emergency Preparedness | Mock drills for landslides and natural disasters; NDMA-led training. |
| Pilgrim Services | Ponywalas, pithoowalas, palkiwalas; registration at Saraswati Dham, Jammu. |
| Key Dates | First batch departs July 2; Yatra begins July 3, ends August 9 (Raksha Bandhan). |
Community and Administrative Efforts
The Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, visited Baltal Base Camp on June 28 to review preparations, focusing on accommodation, sanitation, and essential services. Most departments reported that their arrangements are finalized, ensuring readiness for the influx of pilgrims.
LG Sinha also visited the Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps on June 29, inaugurating a foot overbridge at Nunwan to facilitate smooth pilgrim movement and efficient security checks. “It is our top priority to ensure that devotees of Shri Amarnath Ji complete their pilgrimage with ease and their stay is safe and comfortable,” he said.
Registration and Yatra Schedule
Offline registration for the yatra began on June 30 at multiple centers in Jammu, including Saraswati Dham, to accommodate devotees who could not register online. The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2, with the yatra officially commencing on July 3 via the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
Conclusion
With robust security, pilgrim-centric infrastructure, and coordinated efforts by the SASB, administration, police, and security forces, the Baltal Base Camp is poised to serve as a welcoming and secure hub for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025. The administration’s proactive measures, including mock drills and advanced surveillance, reflect a commitment to ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching experience for devotees embarking on this sacred journey.
