A fresh batch of 4,821 pilgrims left the base camp here for the Amarnath shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas early Friday, officials reported.
The 22nd batch of pilgrims, comprising 3,259 men, 1,482 women, and eight children, departed from Bhagwati Nagar base camp in a convoy of 150 vehicles. The convoy, escorted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), set off at 3:05 am.
Among the pilgrims, 3,090 will travel to Pahalgam to embark on the traditional 48-kilometre route in Anantnag district, while 1,701 have chosen the shorter but steeper 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
So far this year, more than 3.5 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance atto the naturally formed ice lingam at the cave shrine.
The yatra, which began on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, has already seen significant milestones.
During the first seven days, the yatra had already surpassed the one lakh mark. By July 12, the number of pilgrims had risen to two lakh.
Within the next five days, the yatra figures had exceeded three lakh by July 17.
Last year, over 4.5 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine, setting a high benchmark for this year’s yatra.
To ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, extensive arrangements have been made. The convoy’s journey is heavily guarded by CRPF personnel, and various checkpoints have been established along the route to monitor and assist pilgrims.
The administration is also utilising modern surveillance equipment and deploying additional forces to handle any emergency and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
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