With the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra set to begin on July 3, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. On Monday, a full-scale mock drill was conducted at Yatri Niwas, the main base camp in Jammu, to review and fine-tune the arrangements for the upcoming yatra. The exercise included a trial run of buses carrying pilgrims under a full security escort, aimed at assessing preparedness and the ability to respond to any emergencies along the route.
Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishy, who oversaw the drill, confirmed that all logistical and security arrangements are now in place. Speaking to reporters, he stated, “Today, tokens will be distributed at Saraswati Dham. We appeal to people to come in large numbers. We are fully prepared to provide all necessary facilities to the pilgrims. No one will face any issues.” The trial was part of a broader security and disaster readiness initiative to ensure the yatra proceeds without disruptions.
The first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to be flagged off from Jammu on July 2. From there, they will travel toward the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam, from where the yatra will officially commence on July 3. The elaborate mock drill simulated emergency situations such as landslides and roadblocks, with a focus on rescue and evacuation protocols. Teams from the police, disaster response forces, and medical units participated in the exercise, which included rescuing stranded vehicles and providing immediate medical aid to injured individuals.
In a related exercise, a joint landslide response drill was conducted on Sunday by the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF). This drill took place at key locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, particularly at Samroli and Toldi Nallah—critical points known for their vulnerability to natural disruptions during the monsoon season.
Security agencies have heightened vigilance along the pilgrimage routes. The CRPF has deployed K-9 dog squads for enhanced surveillance and intensified highway patrols, especially in sensitive areas such as the Udhampur sector. The focus is on preemptively identifying any potential threats and ensuring rapid response in case of emergencies.
Adding to the series of high-level reviews, Director General of Police (J&K), Nalin Prabhat, chaired a comprehensive joint security meeting in Udhampur on Saturday. The meeting was attended by top officials from various forces and administrative bodies. The DGP emphasized the importance of seamless coordination between all security and administrative units. “Maintaining close coordination is essential to ensuring an incident-free Yatra,” he said.
The Amarnath Yatra, which draws lakhs of devotees annually, will continue until August 9. With all major logistical, security, and medical arrangements finalized, officials express confidence that this year’s pilgrimage will be conducted safely and successfully.
