“Zero-Waste Yatra, Three-Tier Security, Mandatory RFID”: LG Manoj Sinha Assures Full Preparedness for Amarnath Yatra Amid Tight Vigil

Jammu: As the sacred Amarnath Yatra gears up to begin on July 3, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured pilgrims of comprehensive safety, environmental care, and logistical efficiency. In a detailed briefing on Wednesday, the L-G said every aspect—from health infrastructure to surveillance—has been upgraded, with pilgrim safety as the top priority.

“High-quality surveillance cameras have been installed across all major points on the route. Three-tier security arrangements have been put in place at all base camps and along the entire stretch of the pilgrimage,” Sinha said.

With RFID tracking now mandatory for every pilgrim, the administration aims to ensure real-time monitoring, especially in the wake of heightened security concerns. The number of security personnel has been increased, and multiple mock drills have been conducted across routes.

On the healthcare front, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and the administration have installed 100-bed hospitals at all base camps, with emergency medical teams deployed for swift response.

Sinha also addressed concerns about environmental sustainability, proudly sharing the administration’s achievement:

“Since last year, we have successfully ensured a zero-waste Yatra—a trend we aim to strengthen this year as well.”

However, the L-G acknowledged that the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, had a temporary impact on registrations.

“Registration dropped by about 10%, but the numbers are now rising again. Public confidence is returning, and I am hopeful it will continue to grow,” he said.

Before the attack, 2.36 lakh pilgrims had already registered, a figure that is now increasing once more.

Citing security and logistical constraints, the L-G confirmed there will be no helicopter services this year. He also appealed to all pilgrims, including those in private vehicles, to travel only in the officially secured convoys from Jammu to the base camps.

“I urge all yatris to follow security protocols and travel only with the convoy,” Sinha emphasized.

The Amarnath Yatra 2024 will span 52 days, concluding on August 24 (Shravan Purnima), and is expected to draw lakhs of devotees from across India.