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India Today
10-07-2025
- India Today
Why is Baba Barfani melting so fast this year? Pilgrims share alarming observations
This year's Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3 under tight security arrangements, has left many devotees in emotional distress, not due to the treacherous path or biting cold, but because of what they saw (or didn't see) inside the holy naturally formed ice Shivling of Baba Barfani, an iconic symbol of Lord Shiva appears to be melting faster than ever before. Aaj Tak reporter Jitendra Bahadur Singh, who undertook the yatra with the first batch of pilgrims, reported a stark contrast compared to previous visits in 2018 and 2022. Back then, the Shivling stood tall at nearly 12–15 feet. But this year, only a 1.5 to 2-foot formation was visible and it had already started melting away. Tent facilities around the shrine. advertisementDUST, HEAT, AND MELTING GLACIERSCamera visuals captured en route from Baltal to the Amarnath shrine show the path blanketed in dust. The once-glacier-laden routes are now dry and muddy. Devotees walking, riding mules, or being carried on palanquins have stirred up heavy dust clouds. The intense heat in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly around Srinagar, appears to be worsening the melting of snow and ice. According to weather experts and local officials, rising temperatures and a lack of snowfall in recent years have significantly reduced ice retention across the FROM THE YATRASanjeev Saurabh from Patna, a pilgrim who has taken the Amarnath Yatra annually for the past 15 years, was deeply moved.'In the early years, Baba's ice form stood 12 to 15 feet high majestic and spiritually overwhelming. But this time, I barely saw a few feet of ice. It feels like Lord Shiva is withdrawing. People say it's global warming. I feel it's a result of declining human values across the globe,' he said, holding back tears.'Once we needed woolens to even enter the shrine; now we can walk in wearing a thin shirt. I did the abhishek (ritual bathing) of my lord with tears.'Vishal Jain, a businessman from Delhi, echoed similar concerns.'This year, I didn't feel the chill I used to. The entire trail was dusty due to the mules. The snow, which used to cover the entire route, is mostly gone. I reached the shrine in just a thin tracksuit and was covered in dust. I saw barely any Shivling, just a fading patch of ice.' Pictures of route while going to the shrine. FORMER IPS OFFICER SHARED GROUND REALITYRaja Babu Singh, former IG of BSF (Kashmir) who supervised the security arrangements along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes in 2022, shared his observations.'There has been a visible reduction in snowfall in recent years. Earlier, the entire route was untouched, natural terrain. Today, due to heavy troop deployment, helicopter traffic, and lakhs of pilgrims, the environment is under severe stress. Climate change has only worsened the situation.'THREE DECADES OF WITNESS: VETERAN PILGRIM SPEAKSadvertisementRavindra Kumar Sharma, chief patron of Shiv Bhakti Seva Trust in Rohini, Delhi, has been visiting Amarnath since 1996 and has had 40 darshans of Baba Barfani. He notes drastic changes over the years.'In the late '90s and early 2000s, the Shivling would remain for 35–40 days and stand as tall as 16 feet. Today, it melts within a week. Earlier, only a few hundred pilgrims would visit. Now, the number has swelled to over 7.5 lakh annually. Helicopter traffic has also increased. While the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has made the journey easier with improved infrastructure, it has also accelerated environmental degradation.'This year, extreme heat and lack of rain further worsened conditions. Dust storms plagued the trail, and even in Srinagar, pilgrims noted summer-like heat, forcing them to wear half-sleeve shirts instead of woolens. Image of the exit route after the darshan. IS THIS NATURE WARNING?The rapid disappearance of the holy Shivling has left devotees with a deep sense of loss and fear. Whether it's the result of climate change, over-tourism, or a deeper spiritual disconnect, the signs are unmistakable: Baba Barfani is melting faster than ever pilgrim Sanjeev Saurabh warns, 'It feels like Mahadev is about to open his third eye. It's time we correct our ways before it's too late.'- Ends
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Business Standard
03-07-2025
- Business Standard
Second batch of over 5,200 pilgrims leave for Amarnath yatra from Jammu
Amid tight security, the second batch of more than 5,200 pilgrims left the base camp here on Thursday for the Amarnath cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas, officials said. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high shrine commenced on Thursday via the twin tracks the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The yatra will conclude on August 9. The pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in a cavalcade of 168 vehicles escorted by security police and central paramilitary forces, they said. With this, the number of pilgrims who have left for the shrine from the Jammu base camp has reached 11,138, officials said. The second batch of pilgrims includes 4,074 men, 786 women, and 19 children. A group of pilgrims on way to the shrine said they were not deterred by the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 people dead. "We do not fear terrorists or Pakistan, which has engineered attacks on innocent and unarmed tourists. It is a cowardly act. They cannot stop us from paying obeisance at Baba Barfani by triggering fear through terror incidents such as Pahalgam," Harish Kumar, a resident of Raipur and part of a 37-member group of devotees, said. Like him, Mukhtar Singh, who left for Amarnath along with a group of 20 members from Kanpur, said they do not have the slightest fear. "The increasing number of pilgrims thronging the yatra will send a befitting reply to terrorists and Pakistan that we do not fear them," he said. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of pilgrims for the annual Amarnath Yatra from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Wednesday. A multi-tier security setup has been activated in and around the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the annual pilgrimage. Thirty-four accommodation centres have been set up across Jammu, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are being issued to the pilgrims. Twelve counters have been set up for the on-the-spot registration of pilgrims who intend to undertake the yatra. So far, more than 3.5 lakh people have registered themselves online for the pilgrimage.
India.com
02-07-2025
- India.com
Faith Prevails Over Terror: Pilgrims Choose Pahalgam Route In Defiance Of Attack
Faith continues to triumph over fear, as pilgrims deliberately choose the Pahalgam route to honor the victims of the recent terrorist attack and to showcase their unwavering determination. 'Bullets and bombs can't break our faith,' said one of the pilgrims resolutely. Despite the tragic terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam's Baisaran Valley, pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra via the Pahalgam route have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The 46-kilometer trek, one of the two traditional paths leading to the sacred Amarnath cave shrine, remains the preferred choice for most devotees. For them, this journey is not only a spiritual commitment but also a powerful act of defiance against terrorism. Pilgrims embarking on the yatra have expressed steadfast determination, declaring, 'Bullets and bombs cannot stop us from having Baba Barfani's darshan.' They added that the attack would not shake their faith, and the large number of participants this year is boosting the morale of security forces. Devotees are showing immense enthusiasm, with many predicting that participation will double compared to 2024 — seen as a 'befitting reply' to terrorism. This year's first batch of pilgrims is larger than in the past two years. Around 5,892 pilgrims have reached the base camps at Pahalgam and Baltal. In comparison, the first batch in 2024 included 4,604 pilgrims, and in 2023, 3,488. The 2025 yatra officially began today, with the first batch departing from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu and reaching Baltal and Pahalgam in two convoys. Of the 5,892 pilgrims, 3,403 have opted for the Pahalgam route, while 2,489 have chosen the Baltal axis. The convoy consisted of 310 vehicles, including 124 buses, 42 medium motor vehicles, and 144 light motor vehicles. Following the April attack, registrations initially dropped by 10.19%, with only 85,000 of the 2.36 lakh registered pilgrims confirming participation. However, confidence is gradually returning thanks to robust security measures, including a three-tier security setup, deployment of 581 additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, and facial recognition systems along the route. The yatris' determination reflects both spiritual devotion and a united stand against terrorism, turning the Pahalgam route into a symbol of resilience. The first batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims for 2025 was given a warm welcome upon arriving in the Kashmir Valley. Locals and the administration in districts such as Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, and Bandipora greeted the pilgrims with enthusiasm. Local Muslims, alongside police officials, civil society members, business communities, fruit growers, and market associations, welcomed the yatris with garlands and cheers, upholding Kashmir's long-standing tradition of communal harmony and hospitality. The 38-day pilgrimage, which began on July 3, 2025, proceeds via the traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter, steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has ensured comprehensive logistical and security arrangements, including over 106 lodging centers, 125 community kitchens, and a deployment of more than 70,000 security personnel — with 42,000 stationed along the Pahalgam route alone. New technologies have been introduced, including facial recognition systems, an extensive network of CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and two large command centers at Police Headquarters and Raj Bhavan for 24/7 monitoring. Command vehicles are stationed at every camp, and dog squads have been deployed throughout the route. Authorities said they are committed to ensuring that the 2025 Amarnath Yatra remains both peaceful and successful.
India.com
01-07-2025
- 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.
NDTV
30-06-2025
- NDTV
"We Do Not Fear Terrorists": Amarnath Pilgrims Opt For Pahalgam Route
Jammu: Defying apprehensions of the horrific April 22 terror Pahalgam attack casting a shadow on the Amarnath Yatra this year, hundreds of pilgrims from various parts of the country lined up at the registration centre here on the first day. "Bullets and bombs cannot stop us from having Baba Barfani's darshan," said Mumbai resident Devakar Kadam, who will embark on his 11th pilgrimage to the cave shrine this time. The Saraswati Dham registration centre, near the Jammu railway station, saw an unusual rush on the first day of the registration, and many present there described the increasing footfall as a befitting reply to Pakistan-backed terrorists who shot dead 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam after religious profiling. As pilgrims waited to get tokens amid chants of "Bam Bam Bole" and "Jai Baba Barfani", several of them said they were undertaking the pilgrimage to Amarnath from the Pahalgam route as a homage to those who lost their lives in the April 22 terror attack. "We are very enthusiastic. Our group of 26 members is extremely happy, and we want to be part of the first batch to have the darshan of Amarnath ji. We have no fear. "No matter what happens, the enthusiasm of people across the country for the Amarnath Yatra cannot be diminished. Everyone will come and have darshan," said Kadam. The 38-day pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Amarnath located at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the South Kashmir Himalayas will commence on July 3 via the twin tracks- the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district that is shorter but steeper. Authorities have made elaborate security arrangements for the Yatra. The first batch of pilgrims will leave for Kashmir from the Jammu-based Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2. Another group member, Mumta Deshmukh, said they arrived late last night and had been standing in the queue since early morning to get tokens for on-the-spot registration. "This time, it is not only a pilgrimage for Baba Barfani's darshan but also to pay tribute to those killed in Pahalgam by terrorists. "By undertaking the yatra from Pahalgam, we are sending a message to terrorists - that we do not fear them," she said. Kadam said it was their 11th pilgrimage. "We will never stop or bow down to such attacks. Even if bullets are fired or bombs explode, we will surely have Baba's darshan. We do not fear them. We pledge that we will continue to be in the first batch of every future yatra as well." Sarita Ghosh of Kolkata, who is on the pilgrimage along with a group of 95 people, said that compared to previous years, the enthusiasm among devotees is greater. "This clearly shows that people are giving a befitting reply to those trying to spread fear. I believe that compared to last year, twice the number of people will come this time - and fear will be defeated," she said. Ghosh said that all of them had decided to take the Pahalgam route, especially in the wake of the terror attack. "It will be our tribute to those who died there - this will be our pledge against terrorism," she said. Nirohotum Kumar from Assam said the terror attack cannot deter them from undertaking the pilgrimage. "What happened in Pahalgam was tragic, but it cannot scare us. We are going to Baba with full faith. This is our yearly commitment. No one can instill fear of death in us." He said people should come in large numbers. "This will also boost the morale of our soldiers," he said. Bighirath Sharma of Surat, part of a 30-member group including 25 from Kashi, said, "Do you see any fear among the people here? At least 30,000 people are standing here today just to collect tokens - and this is only the first day." "Such a huge crowd from all over the country is proof that no one is scared. In fact, this is a strong reply to terrorists - that we will not be afraid, we will not back down," Sharma said. A large number of pilgrims hoping to undertake the Yatra had to return disappointed from Saraswati Dham after failing to get tokens for on-the-spot registration to travel in the first batch for darshan of the ice lingam of Lord Shiva. Joginder Singh of Uttar Pradesh, who waited in line for four hours along with his group of eight, said, "We felt deeply hurt at not getting tokens today. We wanted to start our Yatra from day one and have Baba's darshan." He criticised the limited quota of 2,000 tokens fixed for the day. "We waited in line for four hours but still didn't receive a token. A large number of people came today, and only 2,000 tokens were issued." He said the government should issue tokens for the next day as well, so people don't have to wait in lines repeatedly. Some of those who waited for hours only to be told that the daily quota had ended raised slogans and were involved in scuffles with the police personnel deployed there. Surendra Singh from Punjab said that it was unfair that even after waiting for five hours, they didn't receive a token for registration. "The government should issue quotas for the second and third day to those already standing in line so that people don't have to return," he said Three registration centres - Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan and Mahajan Hall - will start functioning in Jammu for offline registration from Tuesday. Only pilgrims having tokens issued by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board will be entertained at the registration centres, said Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manu Hansa.
