Srinagar : The annual Amarnath Yatra is currently underway, with approximately 11,000 pilgrims visiting the holy cave shrine in South Kashmir on Tuesday, bringing the total number of devotees since the pilgrimage began on July 3 to 331,000.
On Tuesday alone, 10,829 pilgrims performed darshan, comprising 7,646 men, 2,660 women, 97 children, 76 sadhus, 2 sadhvis, 3 transgender individuals, and 345 security personnel. Despite a strong turnout at the shrine, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of pilgrims departing from Jammu, the main starting point for the yatra. Daily departures have decreased from 7,908 on July 18 to a low of 3,536 on July 22. However, officials report that the pilgrimage is proceeding smoothly and peacefully, supported by comprehensive security and logistical arrangements. The 20th batch of pilgrims, totaling 3,536 individuals, departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu, escorted by Central Reserve Police Force and local police. Pilgrims are utilizing two main routes: the shorter 14-km Baltal route and the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route. Officials assure that all necessary facilities, including shelter, food, medical assistance, and route security, are fully operational. This year’s Amarnath Yatra, which is set to conclude on August 9, is being conducted under heightened security measures, including drone surveillance, RFID tracking for pilgrims, and a multi-layered deployment of security forces.
