Latest news with #ShriAmarnathjiShrineBoard
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
No helicopter service for Amarnath pilgrims this year: Shrine board
A day after the Jammu and Kashmir government declared the Amarnath Yatra routes as no-flying zones from July 1 to August 10, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) on Wednesday announced that helicopter services would not be available for pilgrims this year. This is the first time that such a decision has been taken by the SASB in the backdrop of heightened security measures after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that triggered Operation Sindoor under which terrorist training camps were targeted in neighbouring Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. The announcement made by the SASB on its website read: 'The competent authority has in its order dated June 16, 2025, declared all routes of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, including both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes, as a 'no flying zone' from July 1 to August 10, 2025. Consequently, helicopter services for pilgrim travel shall not be available in the yatra area during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra (SANJY,) 2025.' Following an order by lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, the pilgrims should reach the cave shrine from both South Kashmir's Pahalgam and North Kashmir's Baltal routes on foot or by using ponies and palkis (palanquins), it added. The terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam had left 25 tourists and a local guide dead. India retaliated with Operation Sindoor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India has only paused Operation Sindoor as terrorism will be treated as an act of war.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
No Helicopter Service For Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims This Year: Officials
Srinagar: Following an order by the Jammu and Kashmir government, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said on Wednesday that there would be no helicopter service to the Yatris this year. SASB said on its website that following an order by the Lt Governor, the Yatris should reach the holy cave shrine from both South Kashmir's Pahalgam and North Kashmir's Baltal route on foot or by using Ponies and palkis (palanquins). Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan on Tuesday chaired a security meeting attended by Director Intelligence Bureau (IB), J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, GoC 15 corps Prashant Srivastava, intelligence officers of central/UT agencies and senior officers of CAPFs. After the meeting ended, the J&K government declared all Amarnath Yatra routes as 'No Fly' zones between July 1 and August 10 as a security measure to provide foolproof security to the upcoming Yatra. An order issued by the home department said that the Lt Governor has given strict security directives regarding aerial activity during the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, declaring all Yatra routes as "No Flying Zones" between July 1 and August 10, 2025. The J&K home department order said that the Lt Governor has ordered strict adherence to security arrangements. The order said, "Whereas, in view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 2025, which is scheduled we.f. 03.07.2025 to 09.08.2025, various security arrangements are being undertaken for smooth and peaceful conduct of the Yatra, and Whereas, all the stakeholders have discussed the prevailing security scenario in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir and have proposed additional logistics provisions, and Whereas, Ministry of Home Affairs, Gol, have also advised that the entire route of Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 2025 may be declared as 'No Flying Zone' w.e.f. July 01 to August 10, 2025." "Now, therefore, with a view to ensure strengthened security during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 2025, all the routes of Shri Amarnathji Yatra are hereby declared as 'No Flying Zone' including both Pahalgam axis & Baltal axis and thus, flying of any kind of aviation platforms and devices including UAVs, Drones, Balloons, etc. is prohibited w.e.f. 1 July, 2025 to 10th August, 2025," the order reads. These restrictions will not be applicable in the cases of medical evacuation, disaster management and for surveillance by security forces. A detailed SOP for such exceptions will be issued subsequently. The directive reads that the order shall remain in force from July 1 to August 10. Officials have maintained that all security arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra. L-G Manoj Sinha urged locals for cooperation, saying that the Amarnath Yatra is the people's Yatra.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
No helicopter services during this year's Amarnath yatra, first since Pahalgam terror attack
There will be no helicopter service for Amarnath pilgrims on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes this year, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) announced on Wednesday. The decision was taken by the SASB following an order by the Jammu and Kashmir government yesterday, declaring all routes to the Amarnath shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas as a no-flying zone. The declaration banning all aviation platforms, including drones and balloons, during the duration of the yatra was taken by the state government on the advice of the Union Home Ministry. 'Competent authority has… declared all routes of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra – including both the Pahalgam and Baltal axes – as a 'No Flying Zone' from July 1 to August 10. Consequently, helicopter services for pilgrim travel shall not be available in the yatra area…,' the SASB notice read. Yatris should reach the holy cave shrine from both South Kashmir's Pahalgam and North Kashmir's Baltal route on foot or by using ponies and palkis (palanquins), it added. The yatra routes that have been declared as no-flying zones include Lakhanpur-Jammu-Qazigund-Srinagar-Sonamarg and Lakhanpur-Jammu-Qazigund-Pahalgam. The annual yatra to the Amarnath shrine this year is beginning on July 3. Lakhs of pilgrims from across the country visit the shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas every year, for which the J&K government undertakes one of the biggest security exercises. The administration and the SASB also undertake a massive exercise to arrange for the boarding and lodging of pilgrims, healthcare, transport and other arrangements during the yatra period. This is the first yatra since the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam in which 25 tourists and a local ponywalla were killed. The incident had prompted a sweeping security crackdown across the Kashmir Valley and also led to an escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan.
India.com
11-06-2025
- India.com
Amarnath Yatra: First Prayer Held At Holy Cave; LG Manoj Sinha In Attendance
The Pratham Puja or first prayer marking the ceremonial commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, was held on Wednesday. It is typically performed on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima to invoke Lord Shiva's blessings for a safe, smooth, and successful pilgrimage. This year Pratham Puja of Amarnath Yatra was held today on June 11, 2025, coinciding with Jyeshtha Purnima. The ceremony was attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board (SASB). The Lt. Governor performed the puja, seeking blessings from Baba Amarnath ji (Lord Shiva) for the good health, progress, and well-being of all people of the globe. Puja at the Amarnath Cave Shrine ceremony involved the chanting of Vedic mantras and shlokas dedicated to Lord Shiva to invoke divine blessings for the pilgrimage's success. Additional rituals performed on the same day include Bhoomi Puja, Navagraha Puja, Chhari Puja, and Dhwajarohan, with prasad distributed among devotees afterwards. The Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board has made provisions for devotees to participate virtually through virtual puja, virtual hawan, and online prasad booking, accessible via the official SASB website Morning and evening aarti sessions are also telecast live for devotees. The Amarnath Yatra, including the Pratham Puja, is a symbol of communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir, with people from various communities, including local Muslims, assisting pilgrims in reaching the shrine. The ritual underscores the ancient traditions of the region, with the SASB ensuring that the yatra is conducted smoothly. The Pratham Puja is a cherished event for millions of devotees worldwide, for whom the pilgrimage is a lifelong aspiration. This holy cave, situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, had a naturally formed ice lingam. The 2025 Amarnath Yatra will be of 38 days, starting on July 3, and will end on August 9 on the day of Raksha Bandhan. Around 3.5 lakh pilgrims have registered themselves for this year's Yatra till now. The SASB has enhanced facilities, including infrastructure, security, medical aid, and RFID tracking for pilgrims. Pilgrims must register in advance, carry Aadhaar details for RFID cards, and obtain a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued on or after April 8, 2025. Given recent security concerns in the region, extensive arrangements, including the deployment of 581 additional security battalions are in place to ensure pilgrim safety.
Hans India
11-06-2025
- Hans India
Amarnath Yatra: J&K L-G visits Baltal base camp, inspects arrangements
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday conducted the on-site inspection of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board's disaster management and Yatri Niwas complex at Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district. The LG said, 'Today conducted the on-site inspection of Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board's Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complex at Baltal axis in Ganderbal. Also, interacted with the taskforce and staff of BRO engaged in improving and maintaining the yatra track.' This year's Yatra to the Amarnath Cave shrine begins on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. The cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. Each year, devotees approach the cave shrine either through the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route, which takes three days to reach the cave shrine, or the shorter north Kashmir Baltal route, from where the pilgrims return to the base camp after having darshan at the cave shrine on the same day. Helicopter services are available for the Yatris at both Baltal and Pahalgam base camps. Shri Amarnath Yatra symbolises communal harmony as the local Muslims are big stakeholders in the successful conduct of the pilgrimage. As Pony Wallahs, labourers, who carry pilgrims to the cave shrine, as hoteliers, tea stall owners and guides well versed with the difficult terrain, locals are an important part of the successful completion of the Yatra. Historical records say that the Cave shrine was discovered for the first time by a Muslim shepherd belonging to the Malik family of Bot Kote village near Pahalgam town while he was grazing his flock of sheep in the area close to the cave shrine. Before the affairs of the annual Yatra were taken over by the Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board, the descendants of the shepherd would get some portion of the offerings at the shrine.
