Amarnath Yatra – Fourth Pilgrim Group Leaves Nunwan Camp for Shrine

Amarnath Yatra –   The fourth group of devotees undertaking the Shri Amarnath Yatra left the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam on Monday morning, setting out for the revered cave shrine in the Himalayas. The departure came as the annual pilgrimage entered its early days under extensive security and crowd-management arrangements.

Pilgrimage Scheduled to Continue Until August 28

The 57-day yatra began on July 3 and is expected to conclude on August 28, the day of Raksha Bandhan. Authorities have introduced digital monitoring measures, including RFID-based tracking, to help manage pilgrim movement and strengthen safety oversight along the route.

The Shri Amarnath Yatra draws devotees from across the country each year. Pilgrims travel through designated routes and camps before reaching the cave shrine, which is associated with the naturally formed ice lingam worshipped as Baba Barfani.

Lieutenant Governor Reviews Nunwan Arrangements

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam on Sunday to assess preparations for the ongoing pilgrimage. During the review, he met senior officials involved in yatra management and examined arrangements related to transport, security, accommodation, registration and other essential services.

In a post on X, Sinha said officials had been asked to give priority to the safety, security and convenience of every pilgrim. He also stressed the need for valid registration on designated dates, saying that proper adherence to the registration process could reduce waiting time at camps and checkpoints.

The Lieutenant Governor interacted with devotees during his visit and said the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, along with government departments and security agencies, was working to ensure a smooth journey for pilgrims.

Registration Compliance Highlighted for Devotees

Officials have continued to advise pilgrims to travel only on the date mentioned in their registration documents. The measure is intended to regulate the number of visitors moving through the base camps and trekking routes on a given day.

The use of RFID tracking is also expected to assist authorities in monitoring the movement of registered pilgrims. Such systems can support emergency response efforts and help officials coordinate services across different sections of the yatra route.

Emergency Response Camp Set Up on Highway

The Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force has established a round-the-clock emergency response camp along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for the duration of the pilgrimage.

Sub-Inspector Kartar Singh of the J&K SDRF said the deployment was made under the direction of the Additional Director General of Police. The camp includes at least 20 personnel from the SDRF and Home Guard, who have been positioned to provide assistance to pilgrims travelling on the highway.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is a key route for many devotees arriving in Kashmir before proceeding towards the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps. Emergency teams stationed along the road are expected to respond to incidents and support travellers during the yatra period.

Agencies Coordinate for Safe Movement

Security personnel, disaster response teams, civil administration officials and shrine board staff are coordinating arrangements across the pilgrimage network. Their responsibilities include managing queues, maintaining camp facilities, assisting registered pilgrims and responding to emergencies.

With fresh groups continuing to leave from Nunwan, authorities have reiterated that pilgrims should follow official instructions, carry valid registration documents and cooperate with security checks. The yatra is set to continue through August, with the final day falling on Raksha Bandhan.