Pilgrims arrive at the Amarnath Yatra base camp at Ram Mandir, in Jammu
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As the first batch of Amaranth pilgrims roll into the Valley on Thursday after traversing the mountainous Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, authorities made elaborate security arrangements to ensure safe and seamless pilgrimage. A total of 4,822 pilgrims arrived at Qazigund in south Kashmir during the day. Of these, 2,510 proceeded via the traditional Pahalgam route, while 2,312 chose the shorter Baltal axis to undertake the annual pilgrimage to the revered Amarnath cave shrine.Security has been significantly strengthened along the pilgrimage route, with personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Army deployed at strategic locations. Authorities have also intensified surveillance through an extensive network of CCTV cameras, drones and anti-drone systems to monitor the movement of pilgrims and safeguard the route.Last month, Union Home Minister Amit Shah revived the security arrangements for the Yatra directed the officials to put in place a robust security frame to ensure safe and peaceful Yatra. This year, authorities have deployed artificial intelligence-enabled surveillance systems, facial recognition cameras, QR code-based digital identification, integrated command centres and real-time monitoring to strengthen security across Jammu and Kashmir.“Project Hawk Eye”As part of the enhanced security arrangements, the Anantnag Police have launched “Project Hawk Eye”, a technology-driven surveillance and vigilance initiative designed to provide round-the-clock monitoring along the Amarnath Yatra route. Officials said the initiative is intended to improve coordination among security agencies, facilitate continuous surveillance of the pilgrimage corridor and ensure the safety of pilgrims throughout the Yatra.The annual Amarnath Yatra is among India’s largest Hindu pilgrimages, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees to the cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Himalayas of south Kashmir. This year’s pilgrimage will span 57 days, from July 3 to August 29, making it one of the longest editions of the annual Yatra. Following the Pahalgam attack and subsequent military action against Pakistan, last year the Yatra lasted for 28 days. Published on July 2, 2026
