Amarnath Yatra breaks records

Srinagar, July 28: The Amarnath Yatra has shattered previous records, with over 4.51 lakh yatris having visited the cave shrine in less than a month this year and the figure surpasses last year’s total of 4.5 lakh yatris, underscoring a significant surge in participation and devotion among the faithful.

On Sunday, despite heavy rains, a fresh batch of 1677 yatris departed from the Jammu base camp for the Amarnath shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas.

Officials said that the 31st batch of yatris included over 1300 men, 200 women, two children, and 104 Sadhus and Sadhvis.

The group left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at 3:35 am, travelling in a convoy of 67 vehicles under the tight security of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Of the 1677 yatris, 1269 are expected to reach Pahalgam, from where they would undertake the traditional 48-km route through Anantnag district.

Meanwhile, 408 yatris have chosen the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

Since the inaugural batch was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on June 28, a total of 1,36,984 yatris have embarked on their journey from the Jammu base camp.

The yatra, which commenced on June 29, is scheduled to conclude on August 19.

Despite the challenges posed by heavy rains and the steep, demanding routes, the enthusiasm and faith of the yatris remain undeterred.

The administration has ensured robust security arrangements to safeguard the yatris, reflecting the importance of both their safety and the smooth conduct of the yatra.

The CRPF's escort of the convoy is a testament to these efforts.

Hotels, restaurants, and transport services are witnessing increased patronage, bringing a much-needed economic uplift to the region.

“The authorities are managing the yatra with remarkable efficiency, ensuring the safety and well-being of the yatris. Despite the challenging terrain and the influx of devotees, the administration is successfully facilitating the yatra while maintaining strict security protocols,” the officials said.

“Comparatively, the increased number of yatris this year highlights the enhanced facilities and improved infrastructure, making the arduous journey more accessible and manageable for devotees,” a senior official said. “The administration’s efforts in providing better medical facilities, efficient crowd management, and enhanced security measures are contributing to the successful and peaceful yatra. The significant rise in participation reflects the unwavering faith and devotion of the yatris, reaffirming the spiritual importance of the Amarnath Yatra.”

With continuous improvements in infrastructure and services, the yatra is poised to attract even more devotees in the coming years, solidifying its place as one of the most revered yatra in India.

The multi-tiered security arrangements, which include a mix of paramilitary forces, local Police, and intelligence agencies, have been put in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

The authorities have set up numerous security checkpoints and have increased surveillance along the yatra route.

Advanced technologies, including drones and CCTV cameras, are being utilised to monitor the movement of yatris and to provide real-time updates to the control rooms.

To ensure the smooth movement of yatris, the authorities have improved the infrastructure along the route.

Roads have been repaired, and temporary shelters have been set up to provide rest and relief to the devotees.

The administration has also arranged for adequate water supply and sanitation facilities to maintain hygiene standards.

The yatra control rooms operate round the clock, coordinating with various agencies to manage the flow of yatra and to address any emerging issues promptly.

The control rooms are equipped with communication systems to provide real-time information and assistance to the yatris.