Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra beginning on July 3, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday said elaborate multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place across both pilgrimage routes, with special emphasis on mock drills, surveillance technology and coordinated disaster response to ensure a safe and incident-free pilgrimage.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V.K. Birdi said security agencies have conducted a series of full-dress rehearsals, mock drills and emergency response exercises to prepare for any unforeseen situation during the pilgrimage.
” Shri Amarnath ji Yatra is going to start in a few days. Jammu and Kashmir Police has made multi-layered security arrangements for it. The most significant aspect of these arrangements is that we have organised drills, full-dress rehearsals and mock drills,” Birdi said.
He said the objective of these exercises was to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of every stakeholder involved in the Yatra.
“The aim of these mock drills is to ensure that every stakeholder understands their responsibility and responds in a coordinated manner during any unforeseen situation or contingency,” he said.
When asked about operation “Hawk Eye”, IGP Kashmir said the initiative is aimed at strengthening surveillance and enhancing the police’s operational capabilities during the Amarnath Yatra.
“There are many components of security, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police tries to refine its capabilities every time. Through this (Hawkeye) we can monitor and supervise the area from a high altitude. If there is any aberration or abnormal observation, we can respond to it immediately,” Birdi said.
Highlighting the role of technology in strengthening security, the IGP said an extensive CCTV surveillance network has been established along the Yatra routes and tracks.
“Technology always helps to enhance security. This time also, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have created a grid of CCTV surveillance cameras across the entire routes and tracks. These systems have recognition features, and if any adverse entity enters the system, it will be flagged so that the security forces can respond immediately,” Birdi said.
On preparedness for natural disasters, particularly in avalanche- and landslide-prone areas, Birdi said extensive vulnerability mapping has been carried out in coordination with multiple agencies.
“Weather-related and natural calamity-related vulnerabilities are always a concern on the tracks.
Exercises have been conducted with all stakeholders, including the police, paramilitary forces and local disaster management authorities. Vulnerability mapping has been done for slide-prone, avalanche-prone and glacial areas, and MRTS (Mountain Rescue Teams) have been deployed accordingly so they can respond effectively to any weather-related contingency,” he said.
The IGP said the security grid in Kashmir extends from the Navyug Tunnel to both Yatra axes, ensuring comprehensive security coverage throughout the pilgrimage.
He also urged pilgrims to strictly adhere to the cut-off timings notified by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Traffic Department.
“My request to all pilgrims is to carefully follow the notified cut-off timings and plan their travel accordingly. The entire purpose is to provide complete security and ensure smooth movement of pilgrims,” Birdi said.
The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
