Amarnath Yatra 2024: Essential Safety Tips and Preparations
Your Guide to a Safe Pilgrimage
Security forces conduct a safety drill to protect pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra (Image credit: PTI)
Security forces recently conducted a detailed safety drill at Yatri Niwas, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir. This drill was a crucial step to ensure the safety of all pilgrims during their journey.
Highlights of the Safety Drill
- Buses traveled with full security to test emergency readiness.
- The first group of pilgrims will depart from the Jammu base camp on July 2.
- The Yatra officially begins on July 3, with routes open from both Baltal and Pahalgam.
Preparations and Official Statements
Sachin Kumar Vaishy, Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, confirmed that all preparations for the Yatra are complete. He said, “Today, tokens will be distributed at Saraswati Dham. We welcome everyone to join. We will provide all necessary facilities to ensure a smooth experience. Our team is fully prepared.”
Purpose of the Drill
The drill aimed to test emergency response plans for events like landslides or other natural disasters during the pilgrimage. It included rescuing stranded vehicles and providing immediate medical aid to injured pilgrims. Security and disaster response teams worked together to coordinate evacuations and medical assistance.
Previous Drills and Security Measures
Earlier, a joint mock landslide drill was conducted by the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF) in areas like Samroli and Toldi Nallah along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a key route for the Yatra.
The CRPF has increased surveillance by deploying K-9 (dog) squads alongside personnel on important routes used by pilgrims. They have also strengthened highway patrols, especially in sensitive areas such as the Udhampur sector.
Security Review Meeting
Nalin Prabhat, Director General of Police (Jammu and Kashmir), held a security review meeting in Udhampur before the Yatra, which runs until August 9. The meeting focused on finalizing preparations and improving coordination among all agencies involved in ensuring pilgrim safety.
The DGP stressed the importance of close coordination among officers for a smooth and incident-free Yatra. He directed that zonal and sectoral officers must have up-to-date information on the availability and location of special teams such as Drone Units, Bomb Disposal Squads, Dog Squads, and Quick Response Teams (QRTs). This ensures these teams can be deployed quickly in any emergency.
