Srinagar, June 11, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited Sonamarg in Ganderbal district on Tuesday to engage with stakeholders involved in the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025. The visit underscores the J&K administration’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine, located at 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas.
During his visit, LG Sinha interacted with representatives of the Sonamarg Market Association, hoteliers, ponywalas, and other service providers critical to the yatra’s operations. The delegations raised several key issues related to infrastructure, logistics, and welfare measures needed for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage, which attracts lakhs of devotees from across India. The Lieutenant Governor assured due consideration and appropriate redressal of their concerns, emphasizing the J&K administration’s proactive approach to addressing stakeholder needs.
“The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and the J&K administration are fully committed to the welfare of all stakeholders associated with this holy pilgrimage,” LG Sinha reiterated, highlighting efforts to enhance facilities for pilgrims and service providers alike.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, a significant religious event, sees devotees trekking through either the traditional Pahalgam route in south Kashmir, which takes three days, or the shorter Baltal route in north Kashmir. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure, believed to symbolize Lord Shiva’s mythical powers, which waxes and wanes with the lunar cycle. This year’s yatra coincides with Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima, adding to its spiritual significance.
Preparations for the 2025 yatra are in full swing, with over 3.31 lakh pilgrims already registered. LG Sinha recently chaired the 49th meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Raj Bhawan, reviewing arrangements to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for devotees. Enhanced security measures, including the deployment of 580 CAPF companies, have been put in place following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
The J&K administration is also focusing on improving civic amenities along the yatra routes. Authorities in Jammu have reviewed plans to upgrade infrastructure, sanitation, and electricity supply at lodgement centres and camps in Lakhanpur, Kathua, Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu, and Chanderkote, Ramban.
LG Manoj Sinha’s visit to Sonamarg reflects the administration’s hands-on approach to addressing local concerns and fostering collaboration with service providers. The J&K government’s efforts aim to balance the spiritual importance of the yatra with the economic and social welfare of communities involved, ensuring a successful pilgrimage season.
