The pilgrimage, which began on 3 July, covers two challenging tracks to the 3,880‑metre cave shrine: the 48 km Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter 14 km Baltal route in Ganderbal. It is scheduled to conclude on August 9.
A defence spokesperson explained: “The Indian Army has launched Operation Shiva in close coordination with the civil administration and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the Amarnath Yatra.” The operation includes a “multi‑tier security setup, a dynamic counter‑terrorism grid, prophylactic security deployment and corridor protection measures.”
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With heightened threats from Pakistan‑backed proxies following Operation Sindoor, security has been bolstered. The spokesperson added, “Over 8,500 troops have been deployed, supported by a wide array of technological and operational resources.”
Key elements of Operation Shiva include:
- A counter‑UAS grid with more than 50 anti‑drone and electronic warfare systems, alongside UAV missions and live route monitoring.
- Engineer task forces for track widening, bridge construction, and disaster mitigation.
- A comprehensive medical infrastructure: 150+ medical staff, two advanced dressing stations, nine aid posts, a 100‑bed field hospital, 26 oxygen booths with 200,000 L of oxygen.
- Logistical support: signal units, technical detachments, bomb disposal squads, emergency rations for 25,000 people, tent cities, water stations, bulldozers, and excavators.
- Helicopter standby for rapid response.
- Real‑time tracking of yatri convoys using high‑resolution PTZ cameras and drone feeds, ensuring swift, coordinated responses by multiple agencies.
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“Indian Army helicopters remain on standby for any contingency response,” the spokesperson added. “By tracking yatra convoys between Jammu and the holy cave, the Army is maintaining constant situational awareness… seamless multi‑agency coordination ensures swift response and effective security management across the entire route.”
So far, over 1.4 lakh pilgrims have visited the ice lingam of Lord Shiva, with over 4.1 lakh registrations recorded online for this year. In 2024, around 5.1 lakh pilgrims completed the yatra.
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
