Jammu, July 29 : The Amarnath Yatra has broken past records, with over 4.53 lakh pilgrims visiting the cave shrine in less than a month this year, surpassing last year’s tally of 4.5 lakh pilgrims, indicating a considerable increase in participation and devotion among the faithful.
The annual 52-day Amarnath Yatra began on June 29 from the twin routes of Baltal in Ganderbal and NunWan Pahalgam in Anantnag districts, with unprecedented security and other measures in place, and will end on August 19 on “Shravan Purnima,” which coincides with Raksha Bandhan day.
The government have made comprehensive accommodations on both yatra routes for pilgrims’ housing, health, food, water, and other daily requirements. With ongoing upgrades to infrastructure and services, the yatra is expected to attract even more devotees in the coming years, cementing its status as one of India’s most important yatras.
To prevent any unforeseen incidents, multi-tiered security preparations have been implemented, including a combination of paramilitary personnel, local police, and intelligence organizations. The authorities have set up several security checkpoints and boosted surveillance on the yatra route. Advanced technology such as drones and CCTV cameras are being used to monitor yatri movement and deliver real-time updates to control rooms.
The officials have updated the infrastructure along the route to guarantee that yatris can pass smoothly. Roads have been rebuilt, and temporary shelters have been established to provide respite and relief to devotees. The administration has also made arrangements for enough water supply and sanitation facilities to ensure hygienic standards. The yatra control rooms work around the clock, working with numerous authorities to oversee the flow of the yatra and respond to any emerging concerns as soon as possible.
The control rooms are outfitted with communication technologies that provide real-time information and assistance to the yatris. The Jammu and Kashmir administration, in coordination with other agencies, has made seamless arrangements for medical facilities, appropriate lodging, and efficient transportation.
The number of pilgrims has varied since the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) took control of the yatra in 2001: 1.91 lakh in 2001, 1.10 lakh in 2002, 1.70 lakh in 2003, 4 lakh in 2004, 3.88 lakh in 2005, 3.47 lakh in 2006, 2.96 lakh in 2007, 5.33 lakh in 2008, 3.81 lakh in 2009, 4.55 lakh in 2010, 6.21 lakh in 2011, 6.35 lakh in 2012, 3.54 lakh in 2013, 3.72 lakh in 2014, 3.52 lakh in 2015, 2.21 lakh in 2016, 2.60 lakh in 2017, 2.85 lakh in 2018, 3.43 in 2019, 3.04 in 2022, and 4.50 in 2023. The yatra was not held in 2020 and 2021 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
