Pahalgam, June 14, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha conducted a comprehensive review of the ongoing development of the Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas at Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam, in preparation for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, set to commence on July 3. The review focused on ensuring seamless arrangements for pilgrims, covering critical services such as lodging, langar (community kitchen), power and water supply, sanitation, health facilities, traffic management, fire and emergency services, and security deployment. The visit underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing pilgrim safety and comfort amidst challenging weather and terrain conditions.
Key Areas of Review
LG Sinha inspected the infrastructure projects at Nunwan Base Camp and engaged with officials to assess the progress of essential facilities. The review emphasised the following services to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage:
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Disaster Management | Inspection of the Disaster Management Centre to ensure readiness for emergencies, including natural calamities and medical crises. |
| Yatri Niwas (Lodging) | Progress review of accommodation facilities at Nunwan Base Camp, designed to house pilgrims comfortably. Additional capacities at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900), and Pantha Chowk (1,000) have been upgraded. |
| Langar (Community Kitchen) | Arrangements for free meals to cater to the nutritional needs of pilgrims, ensuring hygiene and accessibility. |
| Power Supply | Enhanced grid connectivity along the Baltal route up to Panjtarni, with ongoing efforts to extend power to the Pahalgam route. |
| Water Supply | Adequate provision of RO water points and backups to ensure uninterrupted access to clean drinking water. |
| Sanitation | Deployment of sanitation staff and facilities to maintain cleanliness at transit camps and along Yatra routes. |
| Health Facilities | Functional 100-bedded hospitals at both Baltal and Pahalgam axes to address medical emergencies. |
| Traffic Management | Coordination for convoy-based movement from Jammu to Srinagar, with provisions for private vehicles under security cover. |
| Fire & Emergency Services | Strengthened emergency response systems to mitigate risks such as fires or other incidents. |
| Security Deployment | Multi-layered security grid involving J&K Police, Army, CRPF, BSF, and ITBP to ensure pilgrim safety, especially after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. |
Stakeholder Engagement and Security Focus
During his visit on June 14, 2025, LG Sinha emphasized the importance of timely completion of infrastructure projects to enhance pilgrim-centric facilities. He also interacted with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) taskforce and staff responsible for maintaining and improving the Yatra tracks, which have been widened to 12 feet along most stretches and equipped with stronger safety handrails, particularly along the Baltal route and over 20 km of vulnerable stretches on the Pahalgam route.
The Lieutenant Governor addressed concerns stemming from the April 22 terror attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, which resulted in a 10.19% drop in Yatra registrations (from 2.36 lakh to 85,000 reconfirmed pilgrims). To restore confidence, a robust three-tier security framework has been implemented, with increased deployment of security personnel, intensified area domination, and sanitization operations in remote areas. Sinha urged pilgrims to travel in designated convoys for safety and coordination, noting that helicopter services have been suspended this year due to security concerns and recent accidents.
Pilgrim-Centric Initiatives
The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has introduced several measures to improve the pilgrimage experience:
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Widened and illuminated Yatra tracks, enhanced lodging at Yatri Niwas complexes, and improved healthcare facilities.
- Sustainability: Focus on cleanliness with dedicated sanitation efforts and the establishment of Prasad counters at the holy cave.
- Insurance Scheme: Comprehensive coverage for pilgrims, ponywallas, and service providers to ensure safety and support.
- Additional Facilities: Foot overbridges, cloakrooms, and e-rickshaw services at Nunwan Base Camp for ease of movement.
Statements from LG Manoj Sinha
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha highlighted the administration’s commitment: “Today reviewed the progress of Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas at Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam. Inspected security and other arrangements for Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage beginning 3rd July.” He further emphasized the cultural and spiritual significance of the Yatra, stating, “Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is truly a People’s Yatra. Every citizen is a key stakeholder of this holy pilgrimage.”
On June 26, Sinha addressed the media, appealing to devotees to participate in large numbers despite the registration drop: “The SASB has made preparations for all essential facilities, including movement, lodging, electricity, water, sanitation, communication, and health of the pilgrims. Security grid has been strengthened, and multi-layer security is in place.”
Community and Administrative Collaboration
On June 28, LG Sinha chaired a high-level meeting with civil society organizations, religious leaders, elected representatives, and trade and business communities in Srinagar to discuss Yatra arrangements. He sought their active participation, emphasizing the Yatra’s role as a symbol of unity and communal harmony. “The peaceful conduct of this holy Yatra will send a strong message that we the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand united,” he said, invoking the Kashmiri saying, “Khudai Chu Ekh, Naav Chis Setha” (There is only one God with many names).
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, confirmed that 106 lodgment centers have been established across the Jammu region to accommodate over 50,000 pilgrims, with facilities like AC halls, washrooms, cloakrooms, and langar halls fully operational at Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas. In Srinagar, the Yatra Transit Camp at Panthachowk has been equipped with drinking water, electricity, sanitation, bedding, and medical facilities to ensure a seamless experience.
Conclusion
LG Manoj Sinha’s review of the Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas at Nunwan Base Camp reflects a proactive approach to addressing logistical and security challenges for the Amarnath Yatra 2025. With enhanced infrastructure, robust security measures, and community collaboration, the administration aims to ensure a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for all devotees. Despite the setback caused by the Pahalgam terror attack, efforts are underway to restore pilgrim confidence and uphold Jammu and Kashmir’s legacy of hospitality and harmony.
