Helicopter Services Suspended; Muharram Processions to Follow Last Year’s Routes
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, DD: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today said that preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra are in full swing, with over 85,000 pilgrims reaffirming their participation following a temporary dip in registrations. He also confirmed that Muharram processions in Srinagar will proceed along the same routes as last year.
“Until April 22, over 2.36 lakh people had registered for the Yatra. After a recent incident, we saw a slight decline, but as of yesterday, more than 85,000 have reconfirmed. I am confident the numbers will continue to grow in the coming days,” Sinha said during a press briefing in Srinagar.
He noted that the Amarnath Yatra recorded its highest footfall in 12 years last year, with 5.12 lakh pilgrims participating. This year, however, helicopter services have been suspended due to safety concerns. “There have been incidents involving helicopters in previous years. As only around eight percent of pilgrims use them, the impact will be minimal. Our priority is safety,” he emphasized.
Safer Routes, Better Facilities
Sinha announced that both the Baltal and Chandanwari–Pahalgam routes have been widened from 4–5 feet to 12 feet, significantly improving safety. “Previously, narrow paths caused problems during rainfall. Now, several vulnerable spots have been reinforced, and the feedback from pilgrims has been very positive,” he said.
He also revealed that permanent accommodation facilities are being constructed at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps. While weather delays caused setbacks, most of the work is expected to be completed this year.
“Both base camps now have fully functional 100-bed hospitals, with additional doctors and medical staff deployed. Medical preparedness has been significantly strengthened,” the LG added.
Clean Environment and Modern Monitoring
Highlighting environmental initiatives, Sinha said the Zero Landfill policy has been successfully implemented for the second consecutive year, with close coordination between the Shrine Board and the Rural and Urban Development departments to maintain cleanliness along the Yatra route.
He also outlined the use of RFID-based tracking for all pilgrims and service providers, introduced three years ago. “Every yatri undergoes eKYC and receives an RFID card. High-definition surveillance cameras, a modern command and control center, and a dedicated police control room are monitoring the Yatra round-the-clock,” he said.
Strengthened Convoy and Security Systems
Sinha stated that an improved convoy system from Lakhanpur to Jammu has been put in place. A new foot-over bridge at the Nunwan base camp has eliminated the need for double check-ins, streamlining the movement of pilgrims.
On the security front, the LG assured that a robust three-tier security grid comprising the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces is operational. All service providers have been thoroughly vetted.
He also noted that comprehensive insurance coverage and emergency response mechanisms have been arranged by the administration and the Shrine Board. “We are fully prepared to handle any emergency during the Yatra,” he said.
Local Support and Muharram Processions
Appreciating the contribution of the local population, Sinha said, “The hospitality shown by the people of Kashmir to Yatris is unmatched anywhere in the country.”
When asked about the upcoming Muharram processions, the LG confirmed that they will follow the same traditional routes as last year, maintaining continuity and order during the holy month(DD)
