Amarnath Yatra Registrations Drop by 10%, Says J&K LG Manoj Sinha; Security Measures Tightened Post-Pahalgam Attack

Registrations for this year’s Amarnath Yatra have fallen by 10.19% compared to 2023, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday, attributing the decline to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, most of them tourists.

Speaking at Raj Bhavan, Sinha said, “Registrations were progressing well before the incident, but declined sharply afterwards.” He added that around 2.36 lakh pilgrims had signed up before the Baisaran attack and that over 85,000 people who registered before April 22 have reconfirmed their participation.

Despite the setback, Sinha said confidence among pilgrims is returning due to robust measures taken by the administration and security forces. The Amarnath Yatra is set to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9.

Enhanced Security for Smooth Pilgrimage

Sinha highlighted that comprehensive security arrangements have been made, including a three-tiered security setup at base camps. “Area domination exercises, mock drills, and deployment of additional police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been carried out. All service providers have undergone verification,” he said.

Responding to concerns about the terror attack’s wider impact, the LG admitted that it had affected the entire region, particularly the Kashmir Valley.

Helicopter Services Suspended Over Safety Concerns

Sinha also announced that helicopter services for the yatra have been suspended this year due to security concerns and recent helicopter mishaps in other states. “Only about eight percent of the pilgrims used helicopters. The impact of the suspension is limited,” he said, emphasizing that pilgrim safety remains the top priority.

Improved Facilities and Pilgrim Feedback

To enhance the pilgrim experience, Sinha said several upgrades have been introduced over the past three years. These include widening the yatra track from 4 to 12 feet and reinforcing vulnerable sections with barriers for improved safety.

He added that the track is now motorable up to the holy cave, though vehicle access will be restricted to emergency situations.

“The yatra will be conducted this year as in previous years,” he assured, noting that feedback from pilgrims so far has been positive and appreciative of the administration’s efforts in coordination with the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

Sinha urged pilgrims using private vehicles to travel in sync with official convoys from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu to ensure secure transit.