June 8: In a key move ahead of the Amarnath Yatra 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 49th meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar, to review the arrangements for the upcoming annual pilgrimage. This year, the Yatra will be conducted from July 3 to August 9, marking a 38-day duration, the shortest in recent years, and is expected to witness a significant footfall of devotees from across the country.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including SASB members, senior officials, and spiritual leaders, to evaluate on-ground readiness along the two main routes—Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal. The LG emphasized the importance of providing pilgrims with a safe, smooth, and spiritually enriching experience, while stressing on the timely completion of infrastructure upgrades.
Key aspects discussed included the augmentation of pilgrim accommodations (Yatri Niwas), setup of medical aid centers, improvement in sanitation and hygiene, 24/7 electricity and water supply, and the operational readiness of langars (community kitchens). The board reviewed progress on digital initiatives such as RFID-enabled tracking for pilgrims and support staff, which will help enhance safety and crowd management.
LG Sinha reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to pilgrim safety, highlighting that over 3.3 lakh devotees have already registered, indicating strong enthusiasm for this year’s yatra. He instructed concerned departments to expedite all works and maintain close coordination to address potential challenges related to weather, logistics, and health services.
The board also examined disaster management strategies, including rescue operations, mobile medical camps, and deployment of security forces, to handle any emergencies. Adequate insurance coverage for both pilgrims and service providers was confirmed to ensure financial support in case of unforeseen incidents.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra, though shorter in duration, aims to set new benchmarks in terms of organization and spiritual outreach. With coordinated efforts from the Shrine Board, civil administration, and security agencies, the pilgrimage is set to offer devotees a memorable and secure journey to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine.
