Div Com Kashmir flags off first batch of Amarnath pilgrims from Baltal

Baltal, July 03: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, on Wednesday flagged off the first batch of pilgrims from the Baltal base camp to the holy Amarnath cave, marking the official commencement of this year’s Yatra.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary, Science and Technology, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary—who is also the Nodal Officer for the Baltal axis—Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Poswal, and other senior officials.

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized that the Amarnath Yatra is not merely a religious journey but a “Yatra of the people,” reflecting its broader social and cultural significance. He highlighted the comprehensive arrangements put in place by the Ganderbal administration to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims, including enhanced medical facilities, sanitation services, and security measures.

The first batch of pilgrims had been warmly welcomed by the administration on their arrival, and the Div Com extended his best wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.

Chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole” echoed through the base camp as the devotees began their trek. Pilgrims expressed satisfaction and enthusiasm over the arrangements.

The 38-day pilgrimage, which began today, will conclude on August 9. Pilgrims can choose between two routes: the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter, steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first group of pilgrims had departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2.