Srinagar: More than 12,000 pilgrims on Friday offered prayers at the holy Amarnath Cave shrine on the opening day of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, as the 57-day pilgrimage commenced amid tight security and elaborate administrative arrangements across Kashmir.
Officials said nearly 12,100 devotees had darshan of the naturally formed ice Shivling at the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas during the first day of the pilgrimage. The devotees included around 9,350 men, 2,250 women, over 200 children, 70 sadhus, nine transgender pilgrims, and more than 260 security personnel.
The Yatra began early Friday morning simultaneously from the twin routes — the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Despite intermittent rainfall in several parts of Kashmir, pilgrims began their journey at first light with chants of “Bum BumBhole” reverberating across the base camps.
The first batches of yatris, including men, women and sadhus, were flagged off from the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam and the Baltal base camp in Sonamarg by district officials amid heightened enthusiasm and religious fervour.
Authorities have put in place a multi-layer security grid for the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage. Thousands of personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Central Reserve Police Force, and other central armed police forces have been deployed along the Yatra routes, base camps and transit points. Security agencies are also carrying out aerial surveillance and real-time monitoring to prevent any untoward incident.
Officials said strict crowd management measures have been implemented following safety advisories and directions regarding daily pilgrim limits. The administration has reiterated that no pilgrim will be permitted to undertake the Yatra before their registered date, urging devotees to travel strictly according to their allotted schedule.
According to officials, the daily cap on the number of pilgrims has been fixed in line with safety norms to ensure better crowd control and reduce risks associated with difficult terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Authorities have advised pilgrims to follow all safety protocols, including weather advisories and movement restrictions, especially in vulnerable stretches.
Advance registration for the pilgrimage had been opened through bank branches across the country and online platforms well before the commencement of the Yatra. Officials said most pilgrims had completed registration in advance, while Tatkal registration slots remain limited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, and several dignitaries extended greetings to devotees on the commencement of the annual pilgrimage.
In a special message to pilgrims, PM Modi described the Yatra as a symbol of India’s spiritual heritage and unity in diversity. He urged devotees to take five pledges during the pilgrimage — maintaining cleanliness, ensuring safety, supporting local livelihoods through the Vocal for Local initiative, promoting environmental conservation, and strengthening the spirit of Nation First.

Srinagar: The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will formally begin on Friday amid heightened spiritual fervour and an unprecedented security grid across Jammu and Kashmir, with over 3.90 lakh devotees already registered for this year’s pilgrimage.
The 57-day pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 metres, will commence simultaneously via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 28.
The pilgrimage began on a high note on Thursday as the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims entered Kashmir after being flagged off by Manoj Sinha from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas.
As the convoy crossed into the Valley through Navyug Tunnel, devotees were welcomed with flower petals, garlands and bouquets by police and civil administration officials amid chants of “Bam BamBhole.”
The yatris later proceeded towards the twin base camps at Baltal Base Camp and Nunwan Base Camp, from where they will begin the onward trek early Friday.
Ahead of the pilgrimage, Nalin Prabhat, chief of Jammu and Kashmir Police, on Thursday reviewed security and facilitation arrangements at Pahalgam.
The DGP visited the Nunwan Frisking Point and conducted a comprehensive inspection of security measures, access control mechanisms, personnel deployment and facilities created for pilgrims.
During the visit, Prabhat interacted with officers and personnel deployed on yatra duty and stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards of vigilance, professionalism and public service.
“Security checks must be thorough but pilgrim-friendly. The movement of yatris should remain seamless while ensuring zero compromise on safety,” Prabhat told officers.
He emphasised close coordination among all security agencies and civil administration to ensure a secure, peaceful and hassle-free pilgrimage.
Appreciating the efforts of police and security personnel, the DGP urged them to remain alert and compassionate.
“Every pilgrim must feel safe, secure and assisted throughout the journey,” he said.
Later, Prabhat chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Nunwan Base Camp with senior police officers, where the prevailing security scenario, operational preparedness, deployment strategy, area domination, intelligence coordination and contingency planning were reviewed in detail.
Appreciating the dedication and professionalism of police personnel deployed on yatra duty, the DGP directed officers to maintain round-the-clock alertness and effective supervision at all levels. “Every possible measure must be taken to ensure a safe, secure and seamless pilgrimage experience for yatris,” he said.
Authorities said both Kashmir and Jammu regions have been placed under an extensive security grid with multi-layer deployment and technology-based surveillance.
The security architecture includes Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force, Army units, surveillance systems, drone monitoring, access-control checkpoints and emergency response teams.
Traffic restrictions will remain in force on several stretches of National Highway 44 from July 2 to August 28, with daily advisories and sector-wise cut-off timings to regulate convoy movement, officials said.
On-the-spot registration has also started in Jammu to accommodate additional devotees.
Meanwhile, Anantnag Police welcomed pilgrims entering south Kashmir and said elaborate arrangements have been made in coordination with civil administration, CAPFs and the health department.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure said dedicated Helping Hand teams, assistance booths and round-the-clock deployment of police personnel have been established.
“We welcome all devotees with warmth and respect. Elaborate security, traffic management and facilitation arrangements are in place to ensure a safe, peaceful and spiritually enriching pilgrimage,” Nagpure said.
He urged yatris to remain vigilant and follow official advisories.
“We request pilgrims to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activity or unattended object immediately,” he said.
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured devotees that all arrangements for the pilgrimage had been put in place.
“It is our responsibility to ensure every pilgrim undertakes this sacred journey with dignity, safety and comfort,” Sinha said.
He described the yatra as a symbol of India’s spiritual unity.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a living thread that binds people of diverse cultures and traditions into one shared fabric of faith,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
With chants of devotion echoing across the Valley and the first batch already stationed at the base camps, Jammu and Kashmir is fully geared up for one of India’s most revered spiritual pilgrimages.

Srinagar: The first batch of 4,822 pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra received a grand welcome in Kashmir on Thursday, with flower petals, garlands and bouquets greeting devotees as they entered the Valley under a robust multi-layer security cover.
The first convoy was flagged off earlier in the day by Manoj Sinha from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu amid chants of “Bam BamBhole” and heightened spiritual fervour ahead of the pilgrimage.
As the convoy crossed into Kashmir through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund, devotees were welcomed by police and civil administration officials in a symbolic gesture reflecting Kashmir’s traditional hospitality.
Senior officers, including the IG CRPF and DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Matoo, received the yatris with garlands and flower petals, while security forces maintained strict surveillance along the route.
The convoys later moved separately towards the twin base camps at Baltal Base Camp and Nunwan Base Camp, from where pilgrims will begin the onward trek on Friday to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath Cave shrine.
With the formal commencement of the yatra, Anantnag Police also accorded a warm reception to the pilgrims entering the district.
Senior Superintendent of Police Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure personally interacted with devotees and extended his best wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
“We welcome all devotees with warmth and respect. Comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe, smooth and peaceful yatra for every pilgrim,” Nagpure said.
He said elaborate security, traffic management and public facilitation measures have been established in coordination with the civil administration, CAPFs, health department and other stakeholder agencies.
According to officials, dedicated Helping Hand teams, assistance booths and round-the-clock deployment of police personnel have been positioned along the route to provide guidance, emergency response and logistical support.
SSP Nagpure urged pilgrims to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.
“We request yatris to follow all advisories, cooperate with security personnel and immediately report any suspicious activity or unattended object to the nearest police official,” he said.
Authorities said security arrangements this year are among the most extensive in recent years, with multi-tier deployment, surveillance systems, traffic regulation and emergency response mechanisms activated along both routes.
The annual 57-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine will officially begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Pilgrims can undertake the journey through either the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Pahalgam, known for its gradual ascent, or the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal.

Baramulla: A civilian was killed in a suspected explosion triggered by an old explosive object in the upper reaches of Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla on Saturday, prompting a swift response from police and security forces.

Officials said the incident occurred at around 3 pm at a remote behak a high-altitude grazing pasture in the upper reaches of the Gulmarg. Information about the explosion was received by the authorities shortly after the blast, following which police and security personnel rushed to the site.

Upon reaching the spot, the responding teams found one person dead. The deceased was identified as Zubair Ahmad Bajjad, a resident of Lateefabad Khudpora in the Chandoosa area of Baramulla district.

A police spokesman said that at approximately 1500 hours, information was received regarding an incident at a remote behak in the upper reaches district Baramulla.

Police and security personnel immediately rushed to the spot, where one person was found dead.

“Preliminary enquiry indicates that the incident occurred after the deceased came into contact with an old explosive object lying in the area, resulting in a fatal explosion,” he said.

The spokesman said inquest proceedings have been initiated under the relevant provisions of law.

“A forensic examination of the scene has been conducted, and specialist teams are carrying out thorough sanitisation of the area as a precautionary measure to rule out the presence of any other unexploded explosive material,” it said.

Meanwhile, police said further investigation into the incident is in progress.

Meanwhile, amid the incident, Police Baramulla also issued a clarification regarding rumours circulating on social media alleging that Army personnel had sustained injuries at Asha Post.

Police termed the claims “completely false, baseless and devoid of factual basis,” clarifying that no Army personnel had sustained injuries at the post.

Authorities said the circulation of false and unverified information has the potential to create panic, confusion, and disturb public order. Citizens were urged to rely only on information disseminated through official channels.

Police said it has taken cognizance of the matter and warned that anyone found responsible for creating or spreading false information with the intention of misleading the public or disturbing peace would face strict legal action under relevant provisions of law.

Reiterating its commitment to maintaining public peace and transparency, the Police urged the public to promptly report suspicious objects or misinformation to prevent panic and ensure safety.

Srinagar: Thousands of mourners participated in Youm-e-Ashura processions across Kashmir on Friday, with the historic Zuljinah procession at Zadibal in Srinagar witnessing one of the biggest congregations in recent years amid elaborate security and administrative arrangements.
Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family members and companions in the Battle of Karbala.
The main procession in Srinagar commenced from Imambara Gulshan Bagh in Zadibal at around 11 am and culminated at the revered Astan of Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA) after passing through the traditional route.
The symbolic horse, Zuljinah, led the procession as mourners recited nohas and marsiyas, performed matam, and carried black flags and alams. Men, women, children and elderly devotees joined the procession, with many walking barefoot despite the summer heat.
Officials said Ashura processions and majalis were held peacefully across Srinagar and other districts including Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Bandipora and parts of south Kashmir.
Authorities had put in place a multi-layer security grid across major procession routes, particularly in Srinagar’s downtown areas. Personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police, Traffic Police, Civil Police and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed at key locations to manage crowd movement and maintain security.
The largest Ashura procession was taken out from ImambaraMirgund, Budgam under the leadership of Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi. The procession passed through its traditional route and culminated at Dar-ul-Mustafa, Budgam, the residence of the late Agha Syed Mustafa Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi.
Similarly, the second major Ashura procession started from Zuljinah Gulshan Bagh, Madin Sahib, Bota Kadal, Srinagar and concluded at the Khanqah of Hazrat Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA) in Zadibal, Srinagar. The procession was attended by Hujjat-ul-Islam Agha Syed Mujtaba Abbas Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, representative of the Anjuman president.
On this occasion, Friday prayers were offered at Shaheed Agha Syed Mohammad Hussain Yadgar Park, Behesht-e-Zahra, Budgam, led by Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi.
Addressing the Ashura congregation, Agha Hassan highlighted various dimensions of the tragedy of Karbala and said that the great sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his loyal family members and companions, represents the eternal victory of truth, justice, principles and human values over oppression, tyranny, authoritarianism and ego.
He said the tragedy of Karbala permanently shook the foundations of forced and hereditary rule, and after this great battle no ruler dared demand allegiance from the holy Ahl-e-Bait (AS).
During the gathering, it was also announced that Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi had received an invitation to attend the funeral ceremony in Iran of the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei.
Ashura processions were also held at several other places across Kashmir, including Budgam, Chadoora, Magam, Beerwah, Khag, Khan Sahib, Sonawari, Bandipora, Pattan, Baramulla, Uri, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Tral and Anantnag, among other areas.
Senior police officers monitored arrangements on the ground throughout the day.
A senior police officer told Kashmir Horizon that said extensive preparations had been made in advance in consultation with religious leaders, Imambara committees and civil administration.
“Security and facilitation arrangements were planned well in advance. The procession concluded peacefully due to strong coordination between the administration, police and the public,” the officer said.
Medical camps, ambulances, mobile emergency units, fire and emergency services, sanitation teams and drinking water facilities remained available throughout the day to assist participants.
Traffic Police also enforced a detailed diversion plan to ensure smooth movement of the procession. Traffic was diverted at several junctions including Firdous Cinema, Mill Stop, Lal Bazar, Bota Kadal and Ali Masjid, while commuters were advised to use alternate routes through Sazgaripora, Zoonimar, Mallabagh, Awantabhawan Road and Ali Jan Road.
Despite temporary diversions, traffic movement remained largely smooth in most areas.
Dozens of sabeels distributing water, milk and refreshments were set up by volunteers and local residents along the procession route. These stalls catered to thousands of mourners throughout the day.
In a notable gesture in Budgam, children distributed water bottles to security personnel deployed on Ashura duty, drawing appreciation from locals.
Volunteers at several locations also extended refreshments to police personnel, healthcare workers and sanitation staff engaged in facilitating the observance.
A local mourner, Zubair Ali, said the day carried deep spiritual significance.
“Ashura reminds us of sacrifice, truth and justice. The message of Karbala remains relevant for every generation,” he said.
Another participant, Ali Mohammad, said the annual observance helped preserve the legacy of Imam Hussain (AS).
“This procession keeps alive the teachings of patience, courage and resistance against oppression,” he said.
Religious scholars addressing majalis across Kashmir highlighted the significance of Karbala and called upon people to uphold values of justice, compassion and humanity.
The largest congregation remained concentrated in Zadibal, considered the focal point of Ashura commemorations in the Valley.
Police officials said the smooth conduct of the procession reflected effective coordination with community representatives and strong public cooperation.
The historic Zuljinah procession culminated peacefully at Astan Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA), where mourners participated in concluding majalis, mourning rituals and special prayers.
No major untoward incident was reported from any part of the Valley during the day-long observance, officials said.

Srinagar: Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, IPS, on Friday chaired a comprehensive security review meeting of Jammu Zone at Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir to assess preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra, directing all agencies to ensure high visibility policing, strengthened quick response capabilities, and uninterrupted communication across all deployed formations.
The high-level meeting was attended by Special DGP Coordination J&K, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 26 Division, Commissioner Security Jammu, IGP Railways J&K, IGP Security J&K, IGP Jammu, Inspector General CRPF Jammu, Inspector General BSF Jammu, Deputy Director Intelligence Bureau (SIB) Jammu, DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, DIG IRP Jammu, DIG Armed Jammu, DIG Traffic Jammu, DIG CRPF Jammu, DIG CISF Jammu, DIG SSB Jammu, DIG BSF Jammu, DIG ITBP Jammu, SSP Jammu, SSP ZPCR Jammu, SSP APCR Jammu, SSP Security Jammu, Senior Superintendents of Police Traffic Jammu/Rural, SSP Railways Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Special Bureau Jammu, and Senior Superintendents of Police CID (Security/Counter Intelligence) Jammu, along with other senior officers of the Jammu Zone.
At the outset, the DGP took a detailed review of the prevailing security scenario and preparedness of all agencies involved in ensuring the safe and peaceful conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Officers briefed the meeting on deployment plans, logistics support, and security arrangements at identified vulnerable and critical locations along the Yatra routes.
The DGP called for seamless coordination among the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies, civil administration, and Jammu and Kashmir Police to maintain a robust and layered security grid throughout the Yatra period.
Reviewing operational readiness, the DGP directed officers to ensure comprehensive area domination, intensified anti-sabotage checks, strict access control at sensitive points, and enhanced surveillance using all available technological resources.
He particularly emphasized the need for high visibility policing across all Yatra routes, strengthening quick response mechanisms to handle any eventuality, and ensuring uninterrupted and secure communication channels among all security formations deployed on the ground.
The DGP also reviewed traffic management and convoy regulation plans, instructing officers to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and vehicles while minimizing inconvenience to the general public. He stressed strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and real-time monitoring of all deployments for effective supervision.
He further underscored the importance of close coordination with civil administration, health services, disaster response agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless facilitation and emergency preparedness during the Yatra.
Reiterating that the safety, security, and confidence of devotees remain the foremost priority, the DGP called upon all officers to remain alert, professionally prepared, and fully committed to ensuring that the Shri Amarnathji Yatra is conducted in a peaceful, secure, and incident-free manner.

Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir Police’s top leadership on Wednesday joined the traditional 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar, as thousands of mourners marched along the Guru Bazar–Dalgate route amid heightened security and elaborate civic arrangements.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat personally monitored the arrangements on the ground and visited the Dalgate Imam Bargah, where he interacted with mourners and local residents. His presence drew a warm response from devotees, with many, including children, greeting him during the visit.
The senior police leadership present during the procession included IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, IG Security Sujit Kumar, Special DGP (Coordination) SJM Gillani, DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Omprakash Pande, SSP Srinagar G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy and DySP Headquarters Srinagar Syed Sleet Shah.
Officials moved along key points of the procession route to review security deployment, traffic regulation and public facilitation measures. Police personnel also operated assistance camps, including a drinking water stall at M.A. Road, where officers distributed water among mourners.
The 8th Muharram procession, one of the largest annual religious gatherings in Kashmir, witnessed participation from mourners from various districts of the Valley. Black flags and religious banners lined the city centre as elegies and nauhas echoed through the route.
Police and civil administration enforced a multi-layered security plan for the event, with drone surveillance, strategic deployment of personnel and traffic diversions aimed at ensuring smooth movement of both mourners and commuters.
Speaking to reporters, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi said security and facilitation arrangements had been planned in coordination with organisers and volunteers.
“Our effort was to ensure the procession is conducted peacefully and with dignity while also ensuring minimal disruption to daily life in other parts of the city,” Birdi said.
He said Muharram carries a message of sacrifice, justice and humanity, values that remain relevant across societies and generations.
SSP Srinagar G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy said the security grid extended across the entire traditional route, from Guru Bazar to Dalgate and Imamabada, with advanced surveillance systems deployed for real-time monitoring.
Authorities said similar security and logistical arrangements are being planned for the upcoming 10th Muharram procession.
Mourners praised the administration, police and volunteers for the smooth management of the event, citing effective crowd management, sanitation, medical aid and public service facilities.
Adil Yousuf, a mourner from Bemina, said the arrangements were among the best in recent years. The coordination between police, volunteers and organisers was impressive. Everything remained smooth and peaceful throughout the procession,” he said.
Another mourner, Syed Ali from Zadibal, said the presence of senior police officers on the ground sent a positive message. “Seeing top officers personally monitoring arrangements gave people confidence and showed the administration’s seriousness,” he said.
Fatima Rizvi, who participated in the procession with her family, appreciated the public service facilities. “The drinking water stalls, medical camps and traffic regulation helped a lot, especially for elderly mourners and children,” she said.
The procession also mirrored Kashmir’s communal harmony, with members of the Kashmiri Pandit community joining the observance and paying tribute to Imam Hussain (AS).
Revived after a suspension of more than three decades, the traditional Guru Bazar–Dalgate procession has once again become a major symbol of faith, remembrance and collective mourning in the Valley, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.

Srinagar: Rapid retreat of the Thajiwas Glacier in Kashmir’s famed tourist resort Sonmarg has raised serious concerns over the growing impact of climate change on Himalayan glaciers, with experts warning of long-term consequences for tourism, water security and local livelihoods.
Located along the Sindh River in central Kashmir, Sonmargpopularly known as the “Meadow of Gold”has long attracted tourists for its snow-covered peaks and easy access to the Thajiwas Glacier. For decades, pony operators and guides lured visitors with the promise of witnessing what locals call “Hazarunsaal ka baraf” (snow of thousands of years), referring to ancient ice believed to date back to the Ice Age. However, locals say the glacier and surrounding snow cover are shrinking at an alarming pace.
Riyaz Ahmad (40), a pony operator from Gund village, said weather patterns in Sonmarg have changed dramatically over the past decade. He said the phrase “Hazarunsaal ka baraf” has been passed down through generations to attract tourists heading toward Thajiwas.
“We heard this term from our elders and use it to draw tourists toward the glacier,” Ahmad said.
Ahmad, who has spent nearly half his life working in tourism, said snow once remained on the lower slopes until late spring, limiting movement of ponies.
“Earlier, deep snow covered these meadows till May, making it impossible to ride horses on the slopes,” he said. “By June, tourists would be taken to the lower slopes of Thajiwas where thick snow remained. The snow usually melted by August and returned again by October.” That seasonal cycle, he said, has now changed significantly. “For the last several years, the slope starts losing snow as early as April. Ponies now begin operating in March itself,” he said.
At an altitude of over 3,500 metres, Thajiwas Glacier remains one of Kashmir’s key summer attractions for domestic and foreign tourists. But operators say visitors increasingly return disappointed.
“When tourists get off their horses, many become upset because there is no snow—only grass, rocks and exposed soil,” Ahmad said. “Some even refuse to pay after seeing the condition.”
Local guides said tourists now need to trek more than a kilometre uphill beyond the usual drop-off point to reach visible snow.
Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh, a tourist guide with over 15 years of trekking experience, said reaching the actual glacier has become difficult and risky.
“It is nearly impossible for ordinary tourists to reach the glacier now,” he said. “Only experienced trekkers or some foreign climbers attempt the route for acclimatisation.”
Sheikh recalled a major visual change during a 2017 trek to DooriNaar beyond Thajiwas.
“Earlier, only two lakes were visible in the area, while the rest remained buried under snow,” he said. “In 2017, melting ice exposed a third lake. That showed how fast the glacier was retreating.”
A study titled “Paleo-glacial Reconstruction of the Thajiwas Glacier in the Kashmir Himalaya” by researchers from the University of Kashmir and the Inter-University Accelerator Centre found that Thajiwas Glacier has shrunk by nearly 95 percent since the last Ice Age, around 20,770 years ago.
According to the study, the glacier once spread across nearly 54 square kilometres but has now reduced to around 2.76 square kilometres.
Earth scientist Prof. Ghulam Jeelani said the retreat is directly linked to global warming and changing hydro-glaciological conditions.
“The retreat of Thajiwas provides important evidence for understanding glacier melt and associated environmental changes in the Kashmir Himalaya,” he said.
Climate experts warn that glacier retreat is not merely a tourism concern.Shrinking glaciers threaten the hydrology of river systems, including the Sindh River, which depends heavily on snowmelt and glacial runoff. Reduced ice reserves could affect long-term water availability, agriculture and ecological stability.
Environmental experts also point to increasing human pressure on Sonmarg’s fragile ecosystem.
Mohammad Yousuf, 70 who is hiker says, every visit reminds me of what we are losing,” Tramboo said. “When I visited recently, I felt deeply saddened by how far the glacier had receded.”
He said Sonmarg has immense potential for sustainable adventure tourism but unplanned development is worsening ecological stress.Concrete construction has changed the landscape. The region looks far more congested now, Yousuf added.
Locals and environmentalists say expanding tourism infrastructure, including hotels, roads and increasing vehicular movement, is adding pressure to the region.
The recently operational Z-Morh Tunnel, which has improved all-weather connectivity to Sonmarg, is expected to increase tourist inflow throughout the year.
While better connectivity boosts tourism, experts caution that year-round access could intensify ecological degradation if not managed sustainably.
Ahmad said the changing climate has already altered traditional livelihood patterns.
“Earlier, heavy snow forced us to stop work in November and remain inactive through winter,” he said. “Now winters are mostly snowless.”
He said this year pony operations were suspended for only around 20 days due to snowfall.
“For the rest of winter, horses kept running because there was barely any snow,” he said.
Experts stressed the urgent need for climate-sensitive tourism planning, glacier monitoring and stronger environmental regulation to protect Sonmarg’s fragile mountain ecosystem.
They warned that if warming trends continue unchecked, glacier retreat could severely impact tourism, local livelihoods and water security across Kashmir.
The experts said glaciers are receding and naturally when there is no sustained winter, obliviously things will change. They say that the reformation of glaciers is not happening and the problem is getting aggravated and it will have an impact.
Prof. Manoj Kumar, from University of Jammu, said climate change is affecting natural resources that are the backbone of economy for thousands of people.
As per them many glaciers, including Kolahoi Glacier, which is the largest glacier of Kashmir and it is also the fastest-depleting glacier of the Himalayas. There is another glacier Machoi glacier in Drass, its area has been lost by 29 percent from 1972 to 2019.

Srinagar: Director General of Police (DGP) Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, on Tuesday said there is no scope for complacency or errors in the security grid and directed officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and preparedness ahead of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026.
The remarks were made during a high-level security review meeting chaired by the DGP at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir to assess preparedness for the annual pilgrimage. The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies and J&K Police.
At the outset, participating officers briefed the DGP on security preparedness and arrangements put in place to ensure the smooth, peaceful and incident-free conduct of the Yatra. The DGP also reviewed facilities and logistical arrangements being made for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
During the meeting, Nalin Prabhat issued a series of directions aimed at further strengthening the security architecture for the Yatra. He directed all security agencies to enhance surveillance and reinforce security measures at vulnerable points, particularly along the main Yatra routes and other sensitive locations.
He emphasized the need to revisit and further strengthen security arrangements along the National Highway and railway infrastructure to prevent any possible threats.
Stressing strict adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the DGP directed that daily briefings be conducted for all deployed personnel to ensure operational readiness and situational awareness.
He also instructed officers to sensitize pilgrims at camp locations regarding safety protocols through awareness campaigns, including banners and posters highlighting SOPs and important do’s and don’ts at strategic points.
Underscoring the importance of vigilance and accountability, the DGP said there should be zero tolerance for lapses in the security setup.
“There is no room for complacency or errors in the security grid,” he said, while directing officers to maintain a high level of alertness throughout the Yatra period.
The DGP further stressed close coordination among all security and intelligence agencies operating on the ground and called for timely sharing of intelligence inputs to ensure effective security outcomes.
He also directed forces to intensify operations against terrorist elements and their associates active in the Valley. Special focus, he said, should remain on cordon and search operations around Yatra routes, National Highway stretches, railway stations and other critical installations.
In addition, the DGP instructed officers to maintain strict vigilance over social media platforms and ensure prompt action against misinformation and fake narratives capable of creating panic among the public.
He directed legal action against individuals found involved in spreading rumours or false information.
The meeting also reviewed security and administrative arrangements for the upcoming Muharram observances. Nalin Prabhat directed officers to ensure robust security measures while maintaining close coordination with local Shia associations for the smooth conduct of processions.
He stressed the need for comprehensive traffic management plans to minimize inconvenience to the public and instructed officers to publicize procession routes in advance to ensure better awareness.
The meeting concluded with all security agencies reaffirming their collective commitment to ensuring the safe, secure and peaceful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 and other major religious events across Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by GOC 16 Corps, GOC 15 Corps, GOC 9 Corps, Spl DGP Coordination J&K, ADGP CID J&K, Additional Director SIB J&K/L, Commissioner SB Jammu, ADG CRPF J&K, IGP POS PHQ J&K, IGP Kashmir Zone, IGP Jammu Zone, IGP Security J&K, IGP Railways J&K, IGP Traffic J&K, IGP CID J&K, GOC CIF (K) Shariefabad Srinagar,
GOC CIF (V) Awantipora, Additional Commissioner SB Srinagar, IG BSF Kashmir, IG CRPF KOS, IG NWF ITBP, IG CRPF Srinagar, IG CRPF Jammu, IG BSF Jammu, all Range DIGs of J&K, DIG IR Kashmir, DIG CID Kashmir, DIG Traffic Kashmir, DIG Armed Jammu, DIG Armed Kashmir, DIG Security J&K, DIG Railways J&K, DIG SSB Srinagar, DIG SSB Jammu,
DIG CISF Jammu, DIG CRPF South Srinagar, DIG BSF Frontier Headquarters Kashmir, DIG CRPF North Srinagar, DIG RPF Kashmir, DIG ITBP Srinagar, DIG ITBP Jammu, all District SSPs of J&K, SSP PCR, SSP Traffic City, SSP Rural, SSP NHW, SSP Railways, SSP APCR, SSP CID SB, SSP CI, SSP Security J&K, In-charge JPCR Baltal, In-charge JPCR Pahalgam, SSP Telecom Kashmir, DD SIB Jammu, SPs of SOG Jammu and Srinagar, besides other senior officers.