As the countdown to this year's Amarnath Yatra begins, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review security and operational preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage. The Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3, and security agencies as well as the administration are engaged in extensive preparations.
The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, CRPF Director General G.P. Singh, and several senior security and administrative officials.
The 57-day pilgrimage leads devotees to the holy cave shrine of Baba Barfani, situated at an altitude of approximately 3,880 metres above sea level in the Himalayas. Pilgrims will undertake the journey through the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route and the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route.
According to officials, modern surveillance technology, intelligence systems, and inter-agency coordination have been strengthened to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage. As part of the security arrangements, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have deployed state-of-the-art detection and anti-sabotage equipment, including portable RCIED jammers, deep-search metal detectors, explosive detection devices, CCTV systems, and other specialised security equipment.
QR Code-Based 'Pehchaan App' Launched for Security
To ensure foolproof security, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have also launched a QR code-based "Pehchaan App" to verify workers and vendors operating along the pilgrimage route. The app will facilitate digital verification of workers and traders, thereby enhancing security and accountability.
Additionally, tenant verification drives, inspections of accommodation centres, and intelligence-gathering activities have been intensified.
The CRPF, which plays a key role in securing the Amarnath Yatra, has conducted a comprehensive review of its preparedness. CRPF Director General G.P. Singh recently visited the Kashmir Valley to assess security arrangements along the Baltal route and at the base camp. He directed officials to enhance vigilance and maintain close coordination among all agencies.
Officials said that continuous coordination is being maintained among security forces, the administration, and other concerned agencies to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the pilgrimage and to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience.
It is pertinent to mention that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar to review preparations for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor directed all departments to ensure the timely completion of arrangements related to infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity, and other pilgrim-centric services.
"Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani," the Lieutenant Governor said.
Emphasising seamless coordination, proactive planning, and strict monitoring, the Lieutenant Governor said that the sacred pilgrimage is a national event. He instructed all stakeholders to work with utmost dedication and maintain the highest standards of efficiency and safety.
After chairing the meeting, LG Sinha posted, "Today, I chaired a high-level review meeting on preparations for Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 and directed all departments and security agencies to ensure the timely completion of arrangements, ranging from infrastructure and security to healthcare, sanitation, connectivity, and pilgrim services." Amarnath Ji Yatra will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani. "
