Manoj Sinha reviews preparations at Baltal Base Camp for Amarnath Yatra 2026, says "this year's pilgrimage will be better"
Baltal, June 28
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday reviewed preparations at the Baltal Base Camp for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, expressing confidence that this year's pilgrimage would be better than previous editions.
Speaking to reporters after the review meeting, Sinha said preparations for the annual pilgrimage had been underway for several months through coordinated efforts of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the administration, the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Government of India.
"Preparations for this have been underway for several months, involving the collaborative efforts of the Amarnathji Shrine Board, the administration, the Jammu & Kashmir government, and the Government of India. A review of these preparations was conducted today. I hope that this year's pilgrimage will be even better than those of previous years," the Lieutenant Governor said.
The review meeting focused on arrangements at the Baltal Base Camp ahead of the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra 2026, including coordination among various departments involved in facilitating the pilgrimage.
The Amarnath Yatra 2026 is scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28, with Anantnag Police putting in place a comprehensive security arrangement to ensure the safety of pilgrims, including multi-layer surveillance, deployment of security forces and advanced monitoring systems along the route. Officials said that the police, along with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, have been deployed in adequate strength across the entire Yatra route as part of a robust security grid.
On preparations for the Yatra, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure highlighted the security measures and technological surveillance being implemented. "The Amarnath Yatra is a significant event for all of us, and the Anantnag Police bears the crucial responsibility for its preparations and security," he said.
He further informed that multiple security layers have been deployed to ensure safety along the pilgrimage route."This year, the police have deployed multiple companies of CAPF and J&K Armed Police along the entire Yatra route," he said.
He further informed that 34 Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras have been installed at six locations to monitor movement and keep anti-social elements away from pilgrimage sites.
"We have installed 34 Facial Recognition System (FRS) cameras at six locations to keep anti-social elements away from the pilgrimage sites. Additionally, a grid of 416 CCTV cameras has been set up along the route... surveillance is also being conducted via drones... mock drills are being carried out in every zone and sector," he added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Every year we hear "this time it will be better", but look at the ground reality - same old langar issues, tent problems and traffic jams at Baltal. Hope the administration actually addresses these basic things instead of just talking about fancy cameras.
Jai Baba Amarnath! 🙏 This yatra is all about faith and devotion. So happy to see the authorities taking security so seriously. Those FRS cameras and drone surveillance will definitely keep bad elements away. Can't wait to go this year!
My parents did this yatra in 2014 and they always talk about that experience. The devotion of people is unmatched. But I wish they also focus on health facilities and emergency response. Last year many pilgrims suffered due to high altitude sickness. Bas, thoda aur dhyan do health pe bhi.
SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure seems to be on top of things. 34 FRS cameras and a grid of 416 CCTV cameras... that's more than many airports have! Indian tech and security are really stepping up. Proud moment for the nation. 🇮🇳
I appreciate the efforts, but let's not forget the environmental impact. Every year thousands trek and leave behind waste. The administration should also talk about eco-friendly measures. Devotion is one thing, but we also need to protect our sacred Himalayas. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.