The Amarnath Yatra, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage, is a significant religious and cultural event in Kashmir, India. The pilgrimage, which traces its roots to ancient Hindu texts and mythological stories, is a strenuous trek making it one of the oldest and most revered spiritual journeys in India. It attracts millions of devotees from across India as well as the world. The cave, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters, is believed to be the abode of Shiva Lingam made of ice. The journey typically commences during the summer months of July and August, as it is the only time when the cave and the ice Lingam are accessible due to the melting of the ice. Despite the challenges and political turmoil that the region has faced, the Yatra remains a significant religious and cultural event.
The Yatra to the Amarnath Cave is a challenging and physically demanding journey due to unpredictable weather conditions. In response to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s desire to make the yatra secure and simple, the Union Minister also announced the approval of a 110 km long, four lane Amarnath Marg (road) to the holy cave sanctuary in Pahalgam, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 5300 Cr. He provided information regarding the 4-lane Yatra Marg project, saying that the DPR for the 73-km stretch from Khannabal to Chandanwari, which would be built at a cost of Rs 1800 Cr, would be available by 2023. Chandanwari to Panjtarni and Baltal, for a 37-km stretch, will be built at a cost of Rs 3500 Cr. Along the Sheshnag to Panjtarni stretch, he added, a 10.8 km long tunnel would also be built. From Panchtarni to the Amarnath shrine, a 5-km concrete pathway will be built. He noted that barricades will be placed on both sides for security reasons. Along with that, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India disclosed plans to invest Rs 750 crore in the building of a new 9-kilometer ropeway connecting Baltal and Amarnath. Once the project is finished, it will take only 8 to 9 hours to travel from Srinagar to the Amarnath cave shrine instead of the current three days. More than 13000 sanitation employees or supervisors are employed to maintain the 2500 mobile toilets for the convenience of pilgrims. 29 JIO towers, 7 Airtel towers, and 25 BSNL towers have also been established for better communication.
In addition, accommodating millions of pilgrims in temporary shelters and ensuring the availability of food, water, and sanitation facilities in such a rugged environment requires meticulous planning and execution. The men in uniform have been at the forefront of ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra for many years. The forces gather intelligence on potential threats and terrorist activities in the region, enabling preemptive action and thwarting any plans to harm the pilgrims or the Yatra route. The army plays a vital role in maintaining and repairing roads and trekking routes leading to the Amarnath Cave. This is crucial as the region’s terrain is prone to landslides and natural obstructions that could hinder the movement of pilgrims. The army establishes medical camps along the Yatra route, equipped with medical personnel and supplies to provide prompt medical attention to injured or unwell pilgrims. In addition, the army’s disaster management teams are well-prepared to handle emergencies arising from unpredictable weather and natural calamities.
In conclusion, the Amarnath Yatra is a prominent pilgrimage that draws numerous believers to India each year. The Border Roads Organization works on a number of development projects, such as the clearing and reopening of Yatra routes, snow removal, track widening, footbridge restoration, handrail repairs, and the building of a four-lane Amarnath Marg, to enable the smooth operation of the Yatra. These initiatives are meant to improve the pilgrimage experience and make the journey safer for those who travel to Amarnath, a sacred cave shrine.
Kashmir RootStock 