Jammu’s Amarnath Yatra Base Camp Is Under The Control Of J-K Police’s Security Division

On June 30, the first group of pilgrims will depart for the yatra from Jammu.

Written by Shruti Chaturvedi June 18, 2023

Jammu's Amarnath Yatra Base Camp Is Under The Control Of J-K Police's Security Division

The security wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken charge of the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here for the annual Amarnath Yatra, officials said on Sunday.

Before travelling to the sacred cave shrine of Amarnath in the picturesque Himalayas of south Kashmir, pilgrims from all over the nation begin their journey at the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu. This shrine is 3,880-meters high.

A senior police officer told the media that the security wing has taken charge of the area and that the public is not allowed within the premises as part of the base camp’s increased security measures.

The ancient 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag area and the 14-km shorter but more difficult Baltal route in the Ganderbal region are where the 62-day journey will start on July 1.

On June 30, the first group of pilgrims will depart for the yatra from Jammu.

At the base camp, preparations for increased security are already in motion. According to the officer, CCTV cameras, including two sizable 360-degree cameras, are being installed along with body scanners.

Four body scanners will also be placed as additional security measures, the officer said. These cameras will ensure 24-hour surveillance.

Vehicle inspection tools have also been added to the security wing. As part of the preparations for the Yatra, metal detectors and sniffer dogs are being used to thoroughly search every section of the Yatri Niwas, according to the officials.

The base camp and other critical places in Jammu are being patrolled by seven companies of the CRPF. According to them, these 700 security guards will be in charge of maintaining route security and conducting patrols.

To guarantee that it is ready before June 20, the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas has undergone repairs, renovations, and facelifts. According to the officials, the complex now has closed-circuit fire hydrant systems in every building and community kitchen halls with air conditioning for the first time.

Top police and government officials, including Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, paid a visit to the base camp.

The complex is in its final stages of rehabilitation, according to Kumar.

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