By Admin 
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that after the incident of Pahalgam on April 22, the preparations are in full swing despite some time barrier in Shri Amarnath Yatra registration and so far more than 85,000 pilgrims have confirmed their participation.
However, due to security reasons, all vehicles going for travel will have to walk in a safe convoy ahead of Jammu and follow the cut off timing. This will also apply to the passengers who will travel by private vehicles.
The number of passengers falls declining
In Srinagar, LG Sinha said that before the incident, more than 2.36 lakh devotees had registered. He said, “There has been a slight decline in the number, but is gaining momentum again. We are confident that more pilgrims will be involved in the coming days.”
He said that last year there was a record turnout of 5.12 lakh pilgrims, which was the highest in 12 years. Although this year has seen a decline of 10.19% so far, the officials are optimistic.
Helicopter services have been postponed for the journey this year due to many previous incidents and safety concerns. However, Sinha said that in the last years, the total of these services had only 8% in the movement of pilgrims, so its impact would be minimized overall.
To make security and traffic easier, both Baltal and Chandanwari-Pahalgam routes have been increased from 4-5 feet to 12 feet. Sinha said, “Earlier rain used to disrupted traffic on narrow tracks, but now these sensitive points have been secured from cross-career.”
Permanent housing facilities are being constructed in Baltal and Nunwan camps and most of the parts will be prepared this year despite a minor delay. Both base camps now have 100 -bed hospitals, with additional doctors and paramedics deployed.
LG said that in order to maintain cleanliness, the Zero landfill target is being achieved again this year with the coordinated efforts of Shrine Board and Rural and Urban Development Departments.
Technology has also been taken advantage of. After EKYC verification, RFID-based tracking has been arranged for all pilgrims and service providers. There is a high-definition camera and a modern command-and-control center for surveillance that works round the clock. A dedicated police control room is also monitoring the journey in real time.
LG Sinha appealed to passengers
Appealing to the passengers, LG Sinha said, “I appeal to all the passengers to follow the guidelines for the journey due to safety measures, and even passengers who travel by private or private vehicles, travel in the convoy for a journey ahead of Baghwati Nagar camp in Jammu. This will be safe without any hassle”.
To streamline movement, a new footover bridge has been built in Nunwan, which has eliminated duplicate check-in and has become easier to enter the camp. Additionally, the convoy system from Lakhanpur to Valley has been made more efficient.
A comprehensive three-level security system is applicable on all camps and routes, in which Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and CAPF are jointly deployed. All service providers have been verified. Pilgrims are covered under insurance. Emergency response mechanisms are active during pilgrimage.
LG Sinha also accepted the important role of local residents in ensuring a warm and welcome environment for the passengers. He said, “The love and hospitality given by the people of Kashmir cannot be found anywhere else.”
He said that the Muharram procession in Srinagar will follow the traditional routes just like last year. Complete arrangements have been made to ensure peaceful and respectable compliance.
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