Srinagar, June 7, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 49th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan to review preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, with over 3.31 lakh devotees already registered for the sacred pilgrimage. The annual yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025, is set to witness robust arrangements to ensure a safe and seamless experience for pilgrims.
The meeting focused on critical aspects such as security, pilgrim safety, infrastructure, and logistics. LG Sinha emphasized that the safety and well-being of devotees remain the top priority, particularly in light of recent security concerns following a terror attack in Pahalgam, a key base camp for the yatra. The Jammu and Kashmir administration is intensifying efforts to ensure a terror-free environment, with the deployment of 580 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), approximately 42,000 personnel, to secure the yatra routes, base camps, and pilgrim convoys.
The Amarnath Yatra will commence simultaneously from the Pahalgam route (48 km, Anantnag district) and the Baltal route (14 km, Ganderbal district), offering pilgrims two traditional paths to the 3,880-meter-high Amarnath Cave Shrine, home to the sacred ice Shivling. With registration numbers expected to rise, this year’s pilgrimage is poised to be one of the largest in recent years, surpassing the 5.12 lakh devotees recorded in 2024.
Key Preparations Reviewed:
- Security Measures: Enhanced security protocols, including intelligence-led operations and fortified camps, to counter potential threats, especially after the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reviewed security arrangements during a recent visit, underscoring the government’s commitment to a peaceful yatra.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Improvements to yatra tracks, transit camps, and Yatri Niwas facilities at locations like Lakhanpur, Bhagwati Nagar, and Chanderkote. The Power Department has been directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity and illumination at lodgement centers.
- Medical Services: A national review meeting with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare emphasized the deployment of cardiologists, respiratory physicians, and anesthetists, along with 24/7 health facilities at base camps.
- Digital and Logistical Support: Implementation of RFID cards for registration and movement tracking, digital pre-paid hiring services, and advanced weather forecasting systems to address high-altitude challenges. Sanitation, clean water, power supply, and telecom connectivity were also prioritized.
- Disaster Preparedness: Robust plans for fire and emergency services, alongside disaster mitigation measures, to tackle the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
Registration Details: Registration for the 2025 Amarnath Yatra began on April 14, 2025, and is available online via the SASB website (jksasb.nic.in) or offline at over 540 authorized bank branches across India. Only 15,000 pilgrims are permitted daily to manage the flow and ensure safety. A compulsory health certificate is required, with authorized doctors and institutions listed by the SASB.
Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO of SASB, presented a detailed overview of the arrangements, highlighting the administration’s commitment to enhancing facilities for devotees. LG Sinha directed all departments to complete preparations on time, reinforcing the goal of a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
Significance of the Yatra: The Amarnath Yatra, one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimages, attracts devotees to the sacred cave where Lord Shiva is believed to have revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. The ice Shivling, formed naturally from water droplets, draws thousands seeking spiritual blessings.
Despite challenges posed by recent security incidents, the Jammu and Kashmir government remains resolute in ensuring a smooth and secure yatra. With comprehensive preparations underway, the administration aims to provide a transformative experience for the lakhs of pilgrims embarking on this sacred journey.
