J&K: SANJY-2026 arrangements reviewed at Baltal base camp
Srinagar, June 27
Deputy Inspector General of Police of Central Kashmir Range, Rajiv Pande, on Saturday reviewed the security arrangements for the upcoming SANJY-2026 at the north Kashmir Baltal base camp in J&K's Ganderbal district.
A police statement said today that, in view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, DIG Central Kashmir Range (CKR) Rajiv Pande conducted a comprehensive review of the security arrangements at the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR) at Baltal.
The meeting was attended by SSP Ganderbal, Sudhanshu Dhama, and other senior police and CAPF officers.
During the visit, the DIG CKR conducted a detailed assessment of the overall security preparedness, deployment arrangements, communication systems, traffic management measures, and coordination mechanisms put in place to ensure a safe, smooth, and peaceful pilgrimage.
SSP Ganderbal, along with other senior police officers, briefed the DIG CKR regarding the security architecture, advance preparations and measures being implemented on the Baltal axis for the upcoming Yatra.
The DIG CKR emphasised the need to maintain the highest standards of alertness, effective coordination among all stakeholders, and prompt response mechanisms to address emerging challenges.
He directed the officers to further strengthen area domination, surveillance, route security and facilitation measures for the pilgrims.
SANJY-2026 will start on July 3 and conclude after 57 days on August 28, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.
Yatris approach the Amarnath cave shrine, situated at 3,880 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, either via the longer traditional Pahalgam base camp route or the shorter Baltal base camp route. Those using the Pahalgam route take four days to reach the cave shrine, while those using the Baltal route return to the base camp after having 'Darshan' inside the cave shrine the same day.
The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises Lord Shiva's mythical powers.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's good that they reviewed traffic management too - last year my uncle waited hours in jam near Baltal. Hope this time it's smoother for the yatris. Also glad to see coordination between police and CAPF.
Impressive coordination efforts for such a large religious gathering. The 57-day yatra must require immense planning for security, logistics, and crowd management. Hope the weather cooperates too.
Good initiative but I hope they also focus on medical facilities along the route. My friend did the yatra last year and said there weren't enough first aid points. Security is important but so is health support for pilgrims.
The dedication of police and forces to ensure safe pilgrimage is commendable. Especially in a challenging terrain like Kashmir Himalayas. Wishing all pilgrims a smooth darshan!
SANJY is always a test for our security setup. The ice stalagmite is such a unique natural phenomenon - really adds to the spiritual significance. Hope the weather stays clear for the pilgrims. Har Har Mahadev! 🕉️
While the security review is appreciated, I hope there's also adequate focus on waste management and
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