J&K Yatra 2026: First Batch of 4,822 Pilgrims Reaches Baltal, Nunwan Base Camps

J&K: First batch of Sanjy-2026 reaches Baltal and Nunwan base camps

Srinagar, July 2

Of the 4,822 yatris who left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys today, 2,510 yatris reached Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp while 2,312 yatris reached Baltal base camp.

At Baltal base camp, the yatris were accorded a warm and heartfelt welcome by Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, DIG Armed Police, Maqsood Ul Zaman, DC Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, and SSP Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama. The officials welcomed the yatris, interacted with them, and conveyed their best wishes for a safe, peaceful, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.

They assured the devotees that elaborate security, traffic management, and public facilitation arrangements have been put in place by Ganderbal Police in close coordination with the Civil Administration, CAPFs, Health Department, and other stakeholder agencies.

Dedicated Helping Hand teams, assistance booths, and round-the-clock deployment of police personnel have been established to provide guidance, emergency assistance, and ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims along the yatra route.

During the interaction, the officers urged the yatris to follow the advisories issued by the authorities and cooperate with security personnel.

They further added that J&K Police reaffirmed its commitment to ensure a safe, secure, and seamless pilgrimage experience for every devotee visiting the holy cave shrine, while extending best wishes for a successful and spiritually fulfilling Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.

At Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp in Anantnag district, yatris were warmly welcomed by Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag (Yatra Officer) Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure, Camp Director Atul Kumar, senior officers from civil and police administration and representatives of various socio-religious organisations. Interacting with the devotees, the DC and other officers wished them a smooth and blissful journey to the Holy Cave.

Earlier in the day, the pilgrims were accorded a grand reception at Walnut Factory Qazigund by SDM Dooru along with senior officers and officials of line departments. The reception ceremonies were held vibrantly and colourfully, witnessing showering of flowers on the yatris. They were also provided on-spot assistance on accommodation, langars and other essential services.

Notably, the administration has made comprehensive arrangements including accommodation, healthcare, transportation, sanitation, drinking water and langars (free community kitchens) for the yatris.

Many service providers have made multiple essential items like SIM cards, clothes, trekking utilities and shoes available at designated stations en route for the ease and convenience of the devotees.

The pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the overall arrangements and were highly enthusiastic as they prepare to commence their sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Cave early tomorrow morning.

— IANS