Pahalgam, June 14, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha conducted a thorough inspection of the Nunwan Base Camp in Pahalgam today, reviewing the progress of critical infrastructure projects and security arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra, set to begin on July 3, 2025. The visit underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring a safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave shrine, amidst heightened security concerns and ongoing development efforts.
Strengthening Infrastructure at Nunwan
Located in Anantnag district, Nunwan Base Camp is a vital starting point for pilgrims embarking on the 48-km Pahalgam route to the Amarnath shrine, situated at 3,888 meters in the Himalayas. LG Sinha assessed the construction of the Disaster Management Centre and Yatri Niwas, two flagship projects under the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). The Disaster Management Centre aims to bolster preparedness for natural disasters like flash floods, while the Yatri Niwas will provide enhanced lodging and amenities for the expected 5.5 lakh pilgrims over the 38-day yatra.
“The Nunwan facilities are being upgraded to world-class standards to ensure pilgrim comfort and safety,” LG Sinha said during the inspection. He directed officials to complete all works by late June, emphasizing the need for robust medical, sanitation, and emergency response systems. The Disaster Management Centre will feature real-time weather monitoring and coordination units, while the Yatri Niwas will offer temporary shelters, clean sanitation, and RFID registration counters.
Table 1: Infrastructure Projects at Nunwan Base Camp
| Project | Objective | Key Features | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disaster Management Centre | Mitigate risks from natural calamities like flash floods | Weather-linked control rooms, emergency units, advanced communication systems | 90% complete, pre-yatra target |
| Yatri Niwas | Enhance pilgrim accommodation and services | Lodging tents, sanitation units, medical bays, RFID and e-KYC counters | 85% complete, rapid progress |
Robust Security Measures
In the wake of a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025, security for the Amarnath Yatra has been significantly strengthened. LG Sinha reviewed multi-layered arrangements at Nunwan, involving the J&K Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Indian Army. Over 10,000 personnel will be deployed along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, with additional forces stationed at base camps and transit points.
State-of-the-art surveillance, including CCTV networks, drone patrols, and aerial reconnaissance, will ensure comprehensive monitoring. All service providers—pony handlers, porters, and langar operators—must undergo mandatory police verification and wear unique ID tags. “Our forces are fully prepared to provide a secure environment for devotees,” Sinha assured, urging pilgrims to register early and follow safety protocols.
Table 2: Security Framework for Amarnath Yatra 2025
| Component | Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Force Deployment | 10,000+ personnel from J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, Army | Secure routes, camps, and halting points |
| Surveillance Technology | CCTV, drones, sniffer dogs, satellite phones, aerial surveillance | Real-time threat detection and response |
| Service Provider Regulation | Police verification, mandatory registration, ID tags | Ensure trusted services and prevent unauthorized access |
| Access Management | Checkpoints and RFID-based tracking at Nunwan and other key locations | Streamline pilgrim movement and enhance security |
Comprehensive Yatra Preparations
The 2025 Amarnath Yatra, running from July 3 to August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, is expected to draw record numbers of pilgrims. At Nunwan, preparations are in high gear, with temporary accommodations, sanitation facilities, and medical units being established. The SASB is streamlining pilgrim registration through online portals, e-KYC processes, and RFID cards to ensure efficient tracking and service delivery.
LG Sinha emphasised the importance of medical preparedness, with oxygen cylinders, emergency helicopters, and mobile health units on standby. Pony owners and service providers are undergoing health checks and registration, with insurance schemes introduced for ponies to support local livelihoods. “Every effort is being made to make this yatra safe and memorable,” Sinha said.
Looking Ahead
The enhanced infrastructure and security measures at Nunwan reflect the administration’s vision of transforming the Amarnath Yatra into a model of efficient pilgrimage management. Despite concerns among some locals about increased central oversight following recent unrest, the focus on pilgrim welfare and regional development is expected to foster goodwill. As preparations near completion, Nunwan Base Camp is poised to welcome devotees with improved facilities and ironclad security.
