SANJY-2025: Preparations underway for smooth conduct of yatra
Ganderbal, May 17: Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and the Jammu and Kashmir administration have geared-up for the upcoming annual Shri Amarnath Ji yatra-2025, scheduled to commence in the first week of July. The annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas will commence from July 3 and conclude on August 9, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) announced earlier.
The annual yatra takes place from the twin tracks — the traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district. This annual pilgrimage attracts lakhs of devotees from far and wide who come to pay their respects to Lord Shiva in the form of a naturally formed ice stalagmite ‘lingam’ within the holy cave shrine. The management of the Holy Cave Shrine is entrusted to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB).
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has already started preparation for the smooth conduct of annual yatra. Officials said best practices to be emulated this year from yatra, 2024. They said about the new measures to be taken on part of the administration for making this annual pilgrimage smooth and successful. With the yatra set to commence on July 3, all aspects, including security, logistical support, and facilities for pilgrims, are being meticulously organised. Officials said that the Labour Department has also commenced the registration of local workers, who will provide essential services for this year’s annual Amarnath yatra. BRO has started the snow clearance work on Baltal-Domail track and further development of track is underway. Officials said that all the security measures are being implemented to ensure a peaceful pilgrimage.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore visited Baltal Base Camp to inspect and take a firsthand appraisal of ongoing preparations for the yatra. During the visit, the DC inspected key infrastructure projects including the Yatri Niwas Baltal, fencing work, upgradation of frisking points, and other essential arrangements. On-spot instructions were issued to the concerned departments and executing agencies to expedite the completion of these works within fixed timeline.
During the visit, the DC was accompanied by Additional CEO SASB, Director Information, SSP Ganderbal, ADC Ganderbal, and other officers. Later, the DC chaired a joint meeting with concerned officers and representatives of various service providers to finalise the rates for key services provided to the pilgrims, including ponies, pithus, dandies, palkis, and tents during the yatra. The meeting held at Sonamarg, aimed to ensure fair pricing and quality service delivery during the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 (SANJY) via Baltal route.
A detailed discussion was held with stakeholders to prevent overcharging and enhance the overall experience for yatris. Representatives from different service groups actively participated in the meeting and assured full cooperation for the smooth and successful conduct of SANJY-2025. The DC urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the approved rates and assured that necessary mechanisms would be in place to ensure compliance and facilitate a safe and comfortable pilgrimage. The meeting was attended by SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, ADC Ganderbal Syed Fahim Bihaqi, CEO Sonamarg Development Authority, DFO Sindh Forest Division, SDM Kangan, CMO Ganderbal, and other district and sectoral officers.
