'Join hands to make SANJY-2026 sucess': J&K L-G appeals to civil society
Srinagar, June 27
J&K L-G Manoj Sinha on Saturday appealed to civil society members, including religious, political, business leaders, and other groups, to join hands in making the upcoming SANJY-2026 an example of religion and selfless service by rising above all other considerations.
During an interaction with civil society members regarding the upcoming SANJY-2026, Sinha said that significant efforts have been made to improve roads, connectivity and infrastructure, making the Amarnath Yatra better than before in terms of facilities.
He added, however, that the success of the pilgrimage cannot be measured by infrastructure alone. While infrastructure helps pilgrims reach the holy cave, the spirit of service and sensitivity is equally important.
He said that civil society members, religious leaders, business leaders, elected representatives, political parties and social organisations all have a role in ensuring that pilgrims experience both spiritual fulfilment and the spirit of humanity.
He further said that together, they should make the Amarnath Yatra an example of collective service and show the world that faith and harmony can go hand in hand.
The L-G is the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the annual Yatra to the Himalayan cave shrine situated at 3,880 ft in south Kashmir's Anantnag district.
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.
Yatris use either the longer traditional Pahalgam base camp route or the shorter north Kashmir Baltal base camp route to reach the cave shrine. Those using the Pahalgam route take four days to reach the cave shrine, while those using the Baltal route return to the base camp the same day after having 'Darshan' inside the cave shrine.
For security reasons, this year, no helicopter services will be available to help pilgrims reach the cave shrine.
A notification posted on its website by the SASB said that the Competent Authority has, vide Government Order No. 321-HOME of 2026, dated June 1, 2026, declared all routes of Shri Amarnathji Yatra, including both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes, as 'No Flying Zone' from July 1, 2026, till completion of the Yatra.
Consequently, helicopter services for pilgrim travel shall not be available in the Yatra area during Shri Amarnathji Yatra (SANJY) 2026.
The notification further advised all pilgrims planning to visit the Holy Shrine during this Yatra to take note of the same and added that pilgrims may reach the Holy Cave Shrine on foot or avail the services of ponies/palkis throughout the Yatra.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm a Westerner who just moved to India for work, and this article gives me a lot of respect for how seriously the J&K administration takes the Amarnath Yatra. The idea that faith and harmony can go hand in hand is beautiful. The 'no-fly zone' decision seems strict, but I guess safety is paramount in such a sensitive region.
Good intentions, but banning helicopter services entirely is a bit harsh. Many senior citizens and people with knee problems rely on them. At least they could have allowed limited flights with extra security checks. Otherwise, the yatra might see fewer devotees this year, which defeats the purpose of making it a success. 🤔
As a Kashmiri Pandit who had to leave the valley decades ago, reading about initiatives to involve local civil society in the yatra fills me with hope. It shows that the administration is trying to build bridges. The no-helicopter rule is a security concern, not a punishment. Let's trust the SASB on this. Jai Baba Amarnath! 🕉️
I visited Amarnath during the yatra a few years back as a tourist, and I was amazed by the organization despite the challenging terrain. The L-G's call for collective service is spot on: without the warmth of the local people, the yatra would lose its soul. I just hope the ban on choppers doesn't discourage the elderly from coming; the trek is no joke.
Finally, some positive news from J&K! The focus
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