Jammu and Kashmir authorities have rolled out an extensive security, surveillance and traffic management plan to ensure the smooth conduct of the Amarnath pilgrimage beginning July 3.
The annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir will continue till August 28. This year’s yatra will be significantly longer than last year’s 38-day pilgrimage and a huge rush of people from across is expected.
Officials said security agencies have strengthened the security grid along the twin pilgrimage routes of Pahalgam and Baltal and at transit camps, base camps and other key locations.
Specialised security teams have been deployed while comprehensive fire safety audits have been conducted in hotels, lodges and guest houses designated for pilgrims. Authorities have also introduced QR-based digital identification for service providers associated with the pilgrimage for enhanced security.
The security apparatus has been further enhanced with the installation of CCTV cameras equipped with facial recognition capabilities and other advanced surveillance systems along the routes.
At Banihal Railway Station, personnel from the Army, J&K Police, GRPF, RPF, CRPF, SDRF and the Health Department participated in a joint exercise aimed at testing emergency response mechanisms.
Another mock drill was conducted at Bhagwati Nagar, the main base camp for pilgrims in Jammu, where National Security Guard commandos and Special Operations Group personnel rehearsed response protocols for potential security threats.
In Poonch district, SDRF, Civil Defence, CRPF, Army and district police carried out a joint exercise to evaluate preparedness for emergencies during the monsoon season and the Shri Buddha Amarnath Yatra.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Anantnag, Amod Ashok Nagpure, chaired a briefing of officers deployed for yatra duties and directed them to strictly adhere to standard operating procedures while maintaining close coordination with all departments involved in the pilgrimage.
Security review meetings have also been held in several districts, including Samba, while civic authorities have reviewed arrangements for pilgrims in Jammu.
Timings advisory
According to the advisory, pilgrim convoys heading towards Baltal will leave Jammu at 4 am and cross Banihal by 10 am, while convoys bound for Pahalgam will depart at 4.15 am and cross Banihal by 10.45 am.
Authorities have also imposed cut-off timings for civilian traffic at several locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and other routes to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrim convoys and prevent congestion.
Officials said the restrictions and enhanced security measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims and maintaining seamless traffic movement during the annual pilgrimage.
