Latest news with #AmarnathYatra2025
Mint
10 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Amarnath Yatra Begins: ONGC sets up Yatri Niwas and disaster management complex for pilgrims in J-K
Amarnath Yatra Begins: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) has set up a permanent disaster management complex at Baltal, Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir for pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra. This Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex will become operational on Friday, the company said in a statement. ONGC is developing these complexes at four key locations – Baltal, Nunwan, Bijbehara, and Sidhra – in Jammu and Kashmir, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra from Jammu on July 2. The first batch of pilgrims set off from Lakhanpur to the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu amid tight security arrangements, marking the official start of the Amarnath Yatra 2025. The Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu serves as the primary base camp for pilgrims from across the country before they proceed to the cave shrine of Amarnath nestled in the majestic Himalayas of South Kashmir. "The Baltal Yatri Niwas and Disaster Management Complex, spread across 6,315 square metres, is now fully operational and includes a Yatri Niwas, VIP guest house, security infrastructure, and disaster-response facilities," an ONGC spokesperson said. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will commence on July 3 from the Valley via the twin tracks—the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter 14-kilometre but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 9. The ONGC spokesperson added that the Baltal facility will be formally inaugurated on July 4 by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, in the presence of ONGC Chairman and CEO Arun Kumar Singh. The facilities are currently being set up at Nunwan in Anantnag district, measuring 8,500 square metres, and at Bijbehara in Anantnag (7,640 sq m). Both sites are expected to be completed by September 2025, he said. The Sidhra complex in Jammu, designed to serve as a vital hub for boarding, emergency management, and logistical coordination, is targeted for completion by September 2026. These facilities will be operated by the Amarnath Shrine Board under the Jammu and Kashmir government, the spokesperson said, adding that it will provide safe lodging, sanitation, and emergency support to people undertaking the Amarnath Yatra, adding that over five lakh people undertake it every year. This permanent infrastructure will also benefit the local population throughout the year, the spokesperson added. The Baltal facility will provide safe lodging, sanitation, and emergency support to people undertaking the Amarnath Yatra.
India.com
21 hours ago
- India.com
Amarnath Yatra 2025 Begins: LG Manoj Sinha Flags Off First Batch Amid Tight Security
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Monday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp, Jammu. This sacred pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji is a journey of faith and self-discovery, drawing thousands of devotees each year. During the flag-off ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor extended his heartiest wishes to all pilgrims for a safe and blissful journey. "This sacred pilgrimage is not just a physical journey but a profound experience for spiritual seekers. I wish everyone a safe and comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva, hoping they find a deeply soul-stirring experience along the way," he said. Speaking to the reporters, LG Sinha emphasised the extensive preparations made by the administration, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, JK Police, and security forces to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. "More than 4,500 devotees have set off today for the darshan of Baba Barfani. Jammu city has come alive with new vibrancy as the enthusiasm among pilgrims is exceptionally high," he added. Despite the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, the unwavering faith of devotees is evident as they continue to arrive in large numbers. "Undeterred by terror incidents, our devotees are demonstrating immense faith in Bhole Baba. I am hopeful that this year's Yatra will be even more historic than previous years," the Lieutenant Governor said. The flag-off ceremony was attended by eminent spiritual leaders, heads of religious organisations, public representatives, senior officials from civil administration and security forces, as well as prominent citizens and devotees, all coming together to celebrate the spirit of this revered pilgrimage. With the sacred pilgrimage to the holy cave in Kashmir mountains begins, hopes are high for a successful and spiritually enriching Amarnath Yatra 2025.
News18
a day ago
- News18
Amarnath Yatra 2025: J-K LG Manoj Sinha Flags Off First Batch Of Pilgrims From Jammu
Last Updated: The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy shrine will commence on July 3 from the Valley via the twin tracks. Amarnath Yatra 2025: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday flagged off first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu amid the chants of ' Har Har Mahadev ' and ' Bam Bam Bhole '. 'Flagged off first batch of pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025 from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe & comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and deeply soul-stirring experience. Prayed to Baba Amarnath for peace & blessings to all," the office of LG said in a post on X. Flagged off first batch of pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025 from Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp. Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe & comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva and deeply soul-stirring experience. Prayed to Baba Amarnath for peace & blessings to all. — Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) July 2, 2025 The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high holy shrine will commence on July 3 from the Valley via the twin tracks — the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter (14 kilometres) but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 9. Before the flag-off, LG Sinha offered prayers at the Yatri Niwas base camp. The devotees will be ferried to the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal amid heavy security escort, traffic restrictions and area domination along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the officials said. Devotees Undeterred By Security Concerns A devotee named Shalu, who is part of the first batch, said she was happy with the arrangements and felt completely safe. '…We are delighted… We waited for it for an entire year. The arrangements are excellent, from food to accommodation. There is nothing to be scared of. The security is perfect," Shalu told ANI. Another devotee, Akanksha, said, '…We planned to be a part of the first batch. We were not scared because we knew that the security would be adequate… The arrangements are very good; food, accommodation, sanitation, and all facilities are very good…" Suman Ghosh, also among the first pilgrims, said, '…We pray that everybody gets the Darshan in peace. There is nothing to fear. The Indian Army and other security forces are here." #WATCH | Jammu | A devotee, part of the first batch of Shri Amarnath Yatra, Suman Ghosh says, '… We pray that everybody gets the Darshan in peace. There is nothing to fear. The Indian Army and other security forces are here…" — ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025 Intense Security The security agencies including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and other agencies have launched full-scale surveillance and verification operations in a bid to thwart any potential threats along the pathway. Tight security is in place for the annual pilgrimage, which is taking place after two months of the Pahalgam attack when terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 26 people. A total of 581 companies from various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) alongside personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police have been deployed for the Amarnath Yatra 2025. Jammu Police has also set up several checkpoints across the city in coordination with paramilitary forces as part of daily anti-sabotage inspections. These will remain active 24×7 along highways, city outskirts, and near the base camp. Advanced tools like Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) are also being deployed at crowded areas. Police are also conducting random checks at hotels, guesthouses, and lodgment centres, targeting suspicious movement. For the first time, jammers would be installed to protect the convoys from potential threats. The CRPF has also rolled out a robust multi-layered security plan along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. Jammu-Srinagar Highway is one of the vital routes for thousands of pilgrims. The CRPF has intensified surveillance, deployed K-9 (dog) squads alongside its personnel along the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key route used by thousands of pilgrims, and strengthened highway patrols, with a special focus on sensitive stretches, such as the Udhampur sector. In addition to these measures, a comprehensive deployment will include Road Opening Parties (ROPs) to secure and clear the routes, Quick Action Teams (QATs) for immediate response to threats, Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) will detect and neutralise explosives, and K9 units (specially trained sniffer dogs) and drones will be used for aerial surveillance. Amarnath Yatra 2025 This year's Yatra has been trimmed to 38 days, a strategic move to lessen threat exposure while retaining the pilgrimage's essence. The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of about 3,888 meters in the hills of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave houses a naturally formed ice Shivling, believed to represent Lord Shiva, and draws lakhs of devotees every year. The Yatra is typically held during the Shravan month (July to August) as per the Hindu calendar, under the supervision of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and with coordinated support from security and civil administration. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Amarnath Yatra Location : Jammu, India, India First Published: July 02, 2025, 07:32 IST News india Amarnath Yatra 2025: J-K LG Manoj Sinha Flags Off First Batch Of Pilgrims From Jammu
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
First batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims sets off from Jammu. ‘No threats can deter spirit of devotees,' says L-G
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the Amarnath Yatra from Jammu on July 2. The first batch of pilgrims set off from Lakhanpur to the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu amid tight security arrangements, marking the official start of the Amarnath Yatra 2025. The Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu serves as the primary base camp for pilgrims from across the country before they proceed to the cave shrine of Amarnath nestled in the majestic Himalayas of South Kashmir. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine will commence on July 3 from the Valley via the twin tracks — the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter 14 kilometres but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 9. As many as 3,31,000 devotees have registered for this year's yatra so far, according to officials. On-the-spot registration of devotees arriving here for the pilgrimage has also started. The officials said the devotees will be ferried to the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal amid heavy security escort, traffic restrictions, and area domination along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Traffic restrictions will be imposed on various routes from July 2 to August 9, with daily advisories issued to minimise inconvenience, a traffic officer said, adding that cut-off timings have been fixed for each sector on the highway, which is monitored through CCTVs. The LG, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), reviewed the security and other arrangements for the yatra at a high-level meeting, the officials said. The annual Amaranth Yatra assumes significance this time since it is coming about two months after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed on April 22 at the famed hill station in South Kashmir. The Yatra passes through Pahalgam too. The eyes of the world are on this Amarnath Yatra, and no threats can deter the spirit of people undertaking the pilgrimage, Sinha said on Tuesday. Attending the 'Tawi Aarti' at the Tawi Riverfront in Jammu, he asserted that this year's Amarnath Yatra will be even more historic than the previous ones, and for him, it was an opportunity to restore the ancient glory of Jammu and Kashmir. 'The world's eyes are on this Yatra. The devotees' resolve is unshakeable; no threats can deter their spirit. With the cooperation and support of everyone, this year's Yatra will be even more historic than previous years,' he said. No threats can deter their spirit. The entire J&K is experiencing spiritual bliss on the eve of the holy pilgrimage of Amarnath Ji, Sinha said. 'The people of Jammu and Kashmir are ready to welcome the devotees of Baba Barfani from across the country. May Lord Shiva bless everyone with health, happiness, and harmony,' he added. Key Takeaways The Amarnath Yatra is crucial for spiritual rejuvenation, especially after recent security incidents. Heavy security measures and traffic restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The event represents resilience and the unshakeable faith of devotees in the face of adversity.
India.com
2 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Unshaken Faith: Pilgrims Embark On Amarnath Yatra Despite Terror Shadow
Despite the April 22 deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Amarnath Yatra devotees have shown resilience, arriving in Kashmir two days before the pilgrimage's official start on July 3, 2025. Hundreds of pilgrims from across India lined up at the Pantha Chowk registration center in Srinagar, with most of them choosing the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route as a tribute to the victims terror attack victims and to give a strong message to terrorists who tried to destabilize the situation in Kashmir, they all are undeterred by security concerns. The devotees have expressed strong faith in arrangements made by the authorities for the holy pilgrimage. They said bullets and bombs cannot stop us from having Baba Barfani's darshan, while some say coming here is a strong message to those who wanted us not to come. 'Bam Bam Bhole' chanting hundreds of pilgrims are seen as entering the Yatra camps to be part of the first batch who will proceed to the holy cave. The pilgrims are also thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the Vande Bharat train, which has made the pilgrims' journey faster and comfortable. 'It's great that we will be part of the first batch that will go to the holy cave. We have chosen the Pahalgam route to show we have no fear of the Pahalgam attack, we know lord Shiva is with us, and the authorities have made foolproof arrangements,' said Manav Gupta. This year Amarnath Yatra 2025, commencing on July 3 and concluding on August 9, has drawn significant attention due to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Jammu and Kashmir administration has implemented robust security measures, including facial recognition systems, drone surveillance, and a multi-layered security grid with security forces and improved infrastructure, signaling a strong push for a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage. The first batch departs from Jammu on July 2. Women Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and BF commandos, noted for their distinguished performance in operations like Operation Sindoor, have been deployed to safeguard the Amarnath Yatra routes and base camps, including those in Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Baltal. Their inclusion is part of a broader strategy to enhance security with a diverse and effective force, providing holistic protection during the 38-day pilgrimage starting July 3, 2025. These commandos are trained to handle high-risk scenarios and contribute to route protection, crowd management, and camp security. 'We are fully prepared and are ready for any task,' a CRPF woman soldier said. Keeping in view the Pahalgam attack, a three-tier security grid comprises multiple agencies, including the Jammu Kashmir Police, CRPF, Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Additionally, over 581 CAPF companies are in place other than regular security forces available in Jammu Kashmir, approximately 42,000 personnel are deployed in Pahalgam, with an additional 50,000 CRPF troops will be guarding the pilgrims' convoy from Jammu to the national highway to the holy cave on both sides. Besides, Advanced Surveillance and Technology are also in place, like Facial Recognition System (FRS), Drone Surveillance, High-Definition CCTVs, and RFID cards, which keep a real-time track. All routes are secured with layered checkpoints. Army and BSF CRPF conduct area domination patrols, while J&K Police manage local intelligence and coordination with inner circle security, and other security agencies will assist them. IGP Kashmir zone VK Birdhi said, 'We have done adequate security arrangements JKP CRPF and other security forces with army are guarding the pilgrims, we have used technology to stop fake elements and blacklisted people.' Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha acknowledged a 10.19% drop in registrations compared to last year but highlighted that confidence is returning due to enhanced safety measures, with 85,000 pilgrims having reconfirmed their participation, in addition to offline registrations now also starting.
