The Jammu Kashmir administration has paced the preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra, which will run from June 29 to August 19.
Officials said that along with the Jammu Kashmir administration, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has nearly completed snow removal on the Baltal-Dumel track, with ongoing work progressing rapidly.
Numerous laborers and large snow cutters are actively clearing the route. Areas with lingering snow are being cleared, and paths blocked by stones are being reopened, they said.
As per officials, currently, there is about 5 to 7 feet of snow on both paths leading to the cave. “Online helicopter bookings for the yatra will open on June 1, with the rates to be announced shortly by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.”
Project Beacon officers of the BRO have been instructed to complete all related works on time, including railing and wire meshing on the track, snow removal, safety measures, track lighting, and other necessary tasks.
The Amarnath Yatra follows two routes: the traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14 km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Thousands of devotees undertake this pilgrimage to view the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva inside the Amarnath cave temple.