Amarnath Yatra – Iltija Mufti Raises Environmental Concerns Over Ice Lingam
Amarnath Yatra –More than 1.13 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine since this year’s Yatra began on July 3, officials said. Amid the ongoing pilgrimage, PDP leader Iltija Mufti on Wednesday voiced concern over reports that the naturally formed ice lingam at the shrine had melted within the first week of the journey.
Iltija Links Shrine Conditions to Climate Pressures
In a post on X, Iltija Mufti said the early melting of the ice formation should be viewed in the wider context of environmental damage in Kashmir. She pointed to climate change, deforestation, illegal mining, inadequate waste disposal and declining water levels as factors that could be affecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The PDP leader said environmental issues had not received adequate attention in Kashmir’s political discourse. According to her, the region needs a long-term policy that balances tourism, religious travel and ecological protection.
Call for Sustainable Tourism Policy
Iltija, the daughter of PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, said Kashmir’s mountains, rivers and glaciers require sustained protection. She suggested that authorities consider a conservation-focused approach to tourism and development, drawing comparisons with environmental policies followed in Bhutan.
She warned that unchecked pressure on natural resources could have serious consequences for Kashmir’s landscape and communities. Iltija had contested the 2024 Assembly election from Bijbehara in Anantnag district but was unsuccessful.
Pilgrimage Continues Through Two Routes
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra is being conducted through the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route. The annual pilgrimage began on July 3 under extensive security arrangements and is scheduled to conclude on Raksha Bandhan, August 28.
Officials said the number of visitors to the cave shrine had crossed 1.13 lakh by Tuesday. The shrine, located in the south Kashmir Himalayas, draws devotees from across the country during the annual pilgrimage season.
On Wednesday morning, a fresh group of 9,837 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the Kashmir Valley. Officials described it as the largest batch to depart so far during this year’s Yatra.
Largest Batch Leaves Jammu Base Camp
The group included 7,004 men, 2,810 women, 21 children and two transgender pilgrims. The pilgrims travelled in secured convoys towards the two Yatra routes, where arrangements have been made for accommodation, medical support, transport and security.
Authorities have continued to monitor weather conditions and movement along the pilgrimage corridors, which pass through high-altitude terrain. The Amarnath Yatra is held annually during a limited summer window, when access to the cave shrine becomes possible.
Concerns Raised Over Development Near Cave Shrine
In a separate post, Iltija said the cave shrine is situated in a sensitive mountain environment surrounded by snow-covered peaks and glaciers. She said the site holds major religious importance for Hindu devotees and should be handled with greater ecological care.
She questioned what she described as rapid development activity around the pilgrimage area, including construction projects, the rising number of visitors and a proposed ropeway project. According to her, such interventions could place additional strain on the surrounding ecosystem.
PDP Leader Seeks Greater Care for Sacred Site
Iltija said the Amarnath Yatra has long been connected with Kashmir’s tradition of hospitality and communal harmony, adding that pilgrims are welcome in the region. However, she said protecting the shrine and its natural setting is necessary for the pilgrimage to continue in the future.
She also recalled that the ice formation at the cave shrine had, in earlier years, remained intact beyond the Yatra period. Her remarks have renewed attention on the environmental challenges facing high-altitude pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas.