Advanced surveillance, elite units deployed for Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, Jun 23: In a major security overhaul ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, specialised security teams, comprehensive fire safety audits of hotels and guest houses, QR-based digital identification for service providers, expanded CCTV networks with facial recognition, and advanced surveillance systems have been implemented to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage. The Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28, spanning 57 days — longer than last year’s approximately 38-day duration. The Amarnath Yatra is one of the country’s most significant annual pilgrimages, drawing lakhs of devotees each year. The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the Himalayas requires a massive security deployment, with the Central and Union Territory agencies working in close tandem. Pilgrims travel through the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. About 700 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), along with J&K Police, Army, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and other agencies, have secured the routes, base camps, transit points, and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. “The Amarnath Yatra is a very important event for all of us… We have completed area domination and preventive actions have been everywhere. Police pickets have been established,” a top official of the security establishment told Greater Kashmir. “The police and other security forces are fully ready for the Yatra… We appeal to pilgrims to come without any fear.” Pertinently, specialised J&K Police units such as the Markhors, Snow Leopards, Mountain Rescue Teams, SOG commandos, snipers, and bomb disposal squads are actively involved. Mock drills, including with NSG commandos, have been conducted at base camps and key locations to test response mechanisms. “Police pickets and elevated checkpoints have been strengthened along both routes — the Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal route in Ganderbal,” he said. “CCTV coverage has been significantly expanded, with over 400 cameras, facial recognition systems, drones, anti-drone units, night vision equipment, and elevated watchtowers have been deployed.” A key highlight is the fire safety audit ordered for all hotels and guest houses in Jammu and Kashmir province, prompted by recent fire incidents. In a technological push, the senior security establishment official said authorities have introduced QR-based identification for pony operators, guides, and other service providers via the mobile application “Pehchan” (also referred to as Pahchan). “This allows instant verification by security personnel and pilgrims alike, even offline, to prevent unauthorised individuals from operating along the routes,” the official said adding that additionally, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices are being issued to every registered pilgrim for tracking and emergency identification.