The ongoing Amarnath Yatra has seen more than 4.90 lakh devotees undertake the sacred pilgrimage over the past 36 days, according to officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). On Sunday, a new group of 1,112 pilgrims departed from Jammu for Kashmir.
The pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 3:25 a.m., traveling in two escorted convoys. The first convoy, comprising 11 vehicles with 204 devotees, headed towards the North Kashmir Baltal base camp. The second convoy, consisting of 39 vehicles carrying 908 pilgrims, was en route to the South Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.
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However, the journey faced a setback when a cloudburst early in the morning blocked the Srinagar-Leh highway in Kaw Cherwan village of Ganderbal district, impacting access to the Baltal base camp. Officials assured that debris clearance operations are underway and expect the highway to be fully operational by the time the convoy reaches Ganderbal.
To ensure the safety and smooth passage of the pilgrims, a substantial number of security forces, including police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), along the 350 km route from Jammu to the two base camps. Additionally, security personnel are stationed at transit camps, base camps, and the cave shrine itself.
Local residents have also been instrumental in assisting pilgrims by providing ponies and working as porters to help carry weaker devotees through the rugged terrain.
Streamlined Pilgrimage
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, led by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, has managed the Yatra with efficiency, contributing to a safe and streamlined pilgrimage experience this year.
The Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, features an ice stalagmite structure that changes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe this structure represents the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.
Pilgrims can access the shrine via two routes: the traditional 48 km South Kashmir Pahalgam route, which takes 4-5 days, or the 14 km North Kashmir Baltal route, which allows a one-day round trip. Helicopter services are also available at Baltal and Chandanwari to facilitate travel.
