Jammu: In a major show of preparedness ahead of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025, security forces on Monday carried out a comprehensive joint mock drill along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The exercise was designed to assess the readiness of security agencies and the civil administration to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage, which officially begins on June 3.
The coordinated drill involved various security forces, including the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF). Buses were escorted under full security cover as part of the dry run to test the operational coordination among different units. The simulation included emergency response scenarios such as landslides and natural disasters, aiming to evaluate evacuation procedures, first aid delivery, and swift deployment of rescue teams.
Rescue operations during the drill included extricating stranded vehicles, administering immediate medical aid to the injured, and activating joint communication systems to handle crisis situations effectively.
Jammu Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya, speaking to the media during the exercise, said that top-level monitoring was in place. “The Divisional Commissioner, Inspector General, and senior officers are closely monitoring the entire drill. All arrangements are in place, and we are fully prepared to receive pilgrims in large numbers. Tokens for the Yatra will be distributed at Saraswati Dham, and every necessary facility will be provided to ensure a hassle-free experience,” he said.
The Yatra’s first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to be flagged off from the Jammu base camp on June 2. The pilgrimage will officially commence on June 3 via the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal. Ticket counters have already been activated at Saraswati Dham. According to Jammu South Sub-Divisional Magistrate Manu Hansa, 1,000 tickets each for the Pahalgam and Baltal routes will be made available daily. “Considering the unpredictable weather conditions, waterproof waiting areas have been set up for the comfort of pilgrims,” he added.
Officials have also confirmed that certain age restrictions will apply to this year’s Yatra. Children below the age of 13 and senior citizens above 70 years will not be permitted to participate in the pilgrimage, in adherence to health and safety guidelines.
On Sunday, a similar mock drill simulating landslide scenarios was carried out in Samroli and Toldi Nallah — two critical transit stretches on the Jammu-Srinagar route. The exercise, jointly conducted by the Army, CRPF, JK Police, and JKSDRF, focused on rescue and coordination strategies in terrain known for landslide vulnerability.
Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has ramped up security measures along the Yatra routes. K-9 dog squads have been deployed alongside regular patrols to maintain a high level of surveillance, especially in sensitive zones such as the Udhampur sector. Highway security has been reinforced with additional personnel and advanced monitoring equipment to prevent any disruptions during the religious event.
With thousands of devotees expected to undertake the spiritual journey to the Amarnath cave shrine in the coming weeks, the government and security forces are leaving nothing to chance. The meticulous dry runs and heightened surveillance underscore the administration’s commitment to ensuring a safe and peaceful Yatra.
