Jammu: The annual Amarnath Yatra moved a step closer to commencement on Thursday as the first batch of pilgrims left Jammu for Kashmir under extensive security arrangements. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha formally flagged off the convoy from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, marking the start of this year’s pilgrimage.
Before the departure, the Lieutenant Governor participated in a special prayer ceremony at the base camp, seeking the smooth and safe conduct of the 57-day religious journey. Officials said the convoy began its journey amid a comprehensive multi-layered security deployment designed to ensure the safety of devotees travelling to the Himalayan shrine.
The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to officially commence on July 3, with pilgrims undertaking the trek to the sacred cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the Himalayas. The pilgrimage will continue until August 28.
Devotees will have the option of travelling through two designated routes. The traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district stretches approximately 48 kilometres and is considered the longer but more gradual trek. The alternative Baltal route in Ganderbal district covers about 14 kilometres and offers a shorter yet steeper climb to the shrine.
Authorities have put elaborate security measures in place for this year’s pilgrimage, with personnel from multiple security agencies deployed along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, base camps and trekking routes. Surveillance systems, checkpoints and escort vehicles have also been arranged to facilitate the safe movement of pilgrims.
Officials said all necessary arrangements, including accommodation, medical facilities, emergency response teams, sanitation services and transportation, have been established at key locations to ensure a smooth experience for the devotees.
The Bhagwati Nagar base camp has been witnessing a steady arrival of registered pilgrims over the past few days. Following document verification and other formalities, the yatris were allowed to board the escorted convoy heading towards the twin base camps in Kashmir.
The Amarnath Yatra is one of the country’s most significant annual pilgrimages, attracting thousands of devotees from across India who undertake the challenging journey to offer prayers at the naturally formed ice Shivling inside the cave shrine.
With the first convoy now on its way, officials expressed confidence that the pilgrimage would proceed in an organised manner, supported by coordinated efforts from the administration, security agencies and emergency services throughout the duration of the yatra.
