85,000 Pilgrims Confirmed for Amarnath Yatra So Far: LG Sinha

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that the successful conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3, will help restore public confidence, as over 85,000 pilgrims have so far confirmed their participation. He added that security arrangements have been strengthened and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a safe pilgrimage.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, LG Sinha said while registration numbers dropped after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, on-spot registration is now being widely sought and participation is expected to increase. “Till April 22, over 2.36 lakh had registered. After the incident, numbers declined, but 85,000 have confirmed, and more are expected,” he said.

The LG said the terror incident did impact the environment in Jammu and Kashmir, but expressed hope that the smooth conduct of the yatra would help improve the overall situation. “The security grid has been strengthened. Army, CAPFs, and J&K Police have ensured multi-layered arrangements on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes,” he said.

LG Sinha urged pilgrims to travel in the designated convoy from Jammu to Srinagar for safety and coordination. He also stated that helicopter services, which have historically been used by only 8% of pilgrims, will remain limited due to security concerns.

Highlighting infrastructure improvements, LG Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has made significant upgrades. These include widened Yatra tracks, enhanced power connectivity, improved healthcare, and upgraded lodging facilities. “The Kalimata stretch has been widened to nearly 12 feet, and safety handrails have been installed on vulnerable segments,” he said.

He added that grid power now reaches the entire Baltal route and up to Panjtarni from the holy cave. Work is underway to complete grid connectivity on the Pahalgam route. “Accommodation for pilgrims has been improved at Yatri Niwas complexes in Baltal (800 capacity), Nunwan (900), and Pantha Chowk (1000),” he said.

The LG said SASB has introduced a digital prepaid system for hiring ponies, pithus, and palkis. “At the holy cave, a stainless-steel darshan platform has replaced the old wooden one, now allowing darshans in four rows. A canopy has been installed to shield pilgrims from weather conditions,” he said.

Healthcare services have been scaled up with 100-bed hospitals operational on both Yatra routes, and expanded clinical capacity at upper camps. “Integrated Command and Control Centres have been established, and security forces have been deployed at all vulnerable locations,” he said.

Facilities like prasad counters, foot overbridges, cloakrooms, and e-rickshaws have also been introduced for better management and pilgrim convenience. “Cleanliness and sustainability are priority areas this year,” he added.

LG Sinha praised the role of media personnel and local residents in contributing to the smooth conduct of the Yatra and urged all stakeholders to work together to make the pilgrimage safe and successful. (KNO)