Srinagar, Jul 10: As thousands of devotees make their way towards the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, an unusual sight along the Chandanwari-Cave route in Pahalgam has emerged as a symbol of compassion and preparedness — a pony not carrying pilgrims or luggage, but a mobile stock of medicines and first-aid supplies.
The initiative, popularly referred to by pilgrims as the “Pony Ambulance”, has become an instant attraction and a source of comfort for yatris undertaking the arduous journey through steep climbs and unpredictable weather conditions.
At the centre of this unique service is Farooq Ahmad, a pony owner associated with the Yatra arrangements, who moves along the track with his horse carrying essential medicines and emergency supplies for pilgrims in distress.
Strapped carefully to the back of the animal are boxes containing painkillers, ointments for muscle strains, antiseptics, bandages, inhalers, injections, medicines for nausea and altitude sickness, and even emergency medicines related to cardiac complications and blood pressure issues.
“Many pilgrims develop fatigue, body pain, breathing difficulties or dizziness during the climb. Reaching a medical camp may sometimes take time. This pony ambulance provides immediate relief until professional medical assistance arrives,” Farooq said while attending to exhausted pilgrims near a resting point on the route. He said the arrangement solely belongs to the administration and the health department.
The service has been introduced with the support of the administration to strengthen emergency response mechanisms along the difficult mountain track where thousands of pilgrims pass every day.
Pilgrims say the presence of the moving first-aid unit offers not just medical help but also psychological reassurance.
“I was surprised to see medicines being carried on a horse. My wife complained of severe muscle pain, and the team immediately provided an ointment and basic medication. It was a thoughtful initiative,” said Rajesh Sharma, a pilgrim from Jaipur.
Sunita Devi from Madhya Pradesh said the sight of the pony ambulance reflected the spirit of service associated with the pilgrimage. “The route is challenging, especially for elderly devotees. Knowing that help is moving alongside us gives immense confidence. The administration and local people deserve appreciation,” she said.
Another pilgrim, Aman Verma from Delhi, recalled how an elderly yatri experiencing breathlessness was provided immediate assistance before being shifted to a nearby medical camp.
“The response was quick and efficient. In the mountains, even a few minutes matter, and this service can make a real difference,” he said.
Officials associated with the Yatra management said the initiative complements the extensive healthcare infrastructure established along the pilgrimage routes, including medical camps, oxygen booths, emergency rescue teams and helicopter evacuation facilities.
However, it is the image of Farooq Ahmad quietly walking alongside his medicine-carrying horse through the Himalayan terrain that has captured the imagination of pilgrims.
In a journey defined by faith and endurance, the pony ambulance has become more than just a mobile medical unit — it has become a moving symbol of Kashmir’s hospitality and humanity, where help often arrives not on wheels, but on four hooves.
