LG Sinha to flag off first batch of pilgrims from Jammu today
57-day pilgrimage to commence from Baltal, Pahalgam routes
AI, drones, RFID, PEHCHAAN app power this year’s security
Srinagar, Jul 01: Amid chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” echoing across the Himalayas, the annual Amarnath Yatra is all set to begin on Thursday under one of the most technologically advanced and heavily fortified security arrangements ever witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir.
The 57-day-long pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji will officially commence from the twin routes of Baltal in Sonamarg and Chandanwari in Pahalgam, with the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha scheduled to flag off the first batch of pilgrims from Jammu early morning.
This year’s Yatra blends devotion with digital vigilance as authorities have rolled out a multi-layered security architecture powered by drone surveillance, AI-assisted monitoring, RFID tracking systems, real-time coordination centres and mobile-based pilgrim assistance tools.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdi told Rising Kashmir that all arrangements have been put in place to ensure a peaceful and smooth pilgrimage. “Multi-layer security grid is firmly in place. We have conducted several contingency drills, and all agencies are working in close coordination to ensure the Yatra passes off safely and smoothly,” he said.
From the winding mountain roads to the high-altitude cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas, security forces have created an extensive safety network involving Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, Army, intelligence agencies and disaster response teams.
Officials said nearly 670 additional companies of CAPFs have been deployed across the pilgrimage routes, base camps and vulnerable stretches to strengthen security during the annual pilgrimage.
Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy said technology is playing a defining role in this year’s security preparedness. “Inter-agency coordination, drone surveillance and AI-based monitoring are among the key security features this year. Every movement along the routes is being closely monitored through advanced surveillance systems,” he said.
Authorities have also intensified aerial surveillance using drones at key transit points, highways, base camps and sensitive locations. AI-powered monitoring systems are being used for crowd regulation, movement analysis and quick response coordination.
In another major step towards ensuring pilgrim safety and seamless management, RFID chips have been introduced for yatris this year. Officials said the RFID-based tracking system will help authorities monitor pilgrim movement in real time and strengthen emergency response mechanisms during adverse weather or medical situations. To further simplify the pilgrimage experience, Jammu and Kashmir Police has launched the “PEHCHAAN” mobile application aimed at creating a hassle-free and digitally connected Yatra ecosystem.
Police have directed pony wallas, palki bearers, tent operators, shopkeepers and other service providers associated with the pilgrimage to download and register on the app for verification and coordination purposes.
Authorities have also deployed 30 Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) at both Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam base camps to respond swiftly to emergencies in the challenging mountainous terrain. The rescue teams, equipped with medical supplies, mountaineering gear and communication systems, will remain stationed along vulnerable stretches to assist pilgrims in case of accidents, weather-related incidents or health emergencies.
Across Kashmir, preparations have transformed the atmosphere in the twin base camps. Security personnel, disaster response teams, health workers and volunteers have been working round the clock as thousands of pilgrims continue arriving in the Valley filled with faith and devotion.
Officials said elaborate arrangements related to accommodation, sanitation, health care, traffic management and weather monitoring have also been put in place to ensure a safe pilgrimage season. Speaking to reporters, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said that around four lakh pilgrims have registered for the annual pilgrimage this year so far.
As the first batch prepares to move towards the sacred cave shrine amid tight security and digital surveillance, the Amarnath Yatra this year stands as a blend of spirituality, technology and coordinated preparedness in the lap of the Himalayas.
