To ameliorate the strenuous Shri Amarnathji Yatra for devotees, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has recommended the implementation of ropeways and the construction of a tunnel along the Pahalgam and Baltal pilgrimage routes. Furthermore, they have pinpointed a secure location near the cave shrine where infrastructure can be established during the pilgrimage period. It is imperative to emphasise that despite being one of the most venerated pilgrimages, there has been a glaring lack of infrastructure improvement along the entirety of both routes for the Shri Amarnathji Yatra. This arduous journey claims numerous lives each year. The high altitudes, treacherous paths that vanish during heavy rains, steep ascents, and severe weather conditions, when combined, create a perilous ordeal. These are extraordinary circumstances, and regrettably, successive Governments have paid scant attention to them in the past. Consequently, the result is a dearth of amenities for pilgrims, a lack of permanent accommodations, and temporary tent arrangements that offer little respite from rain and extreme cold. Tents for pilgrims had been set up on riverbeds in the past, leading to tragic losses during flash floods.
The distance to be traversed on these makeshift roads is not a mere few hundred metres, but approximately 47 kilometres. The current Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, personally conducted an assessment and concluded that it was high time to upgrade the facilities. He promptly instructed the submission of a detailed project report (DPR) for a durable road along the entire route. The DPR for the construction of the Chandanwari-Panchtarni-Sangam Top-Baltal road, to be undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), is now in an advanced stage. Approval of the project and its commencement are anticipated within the current fiscal year.
Simultaneously, the GSI has presented numerous innovative suggestions that could entirely transform the pilgrimage to Shri Amarnathji into an unforgettable experience. The proposal to install ropeways to circumvent the steep ascent between Chandanwari and Pissu Top is an invaluable recommendation. Similarly, GSI has suggested constructing a tunnel between Mahaganesh Top and Poshpathri on the Pahalgam-Amarnath route, along with the operation of battery-operated vehicles in the Ganeshtop area. For the Baltal route of the pilgrimage, the GSI has suggested the construction of ropeways between Brarinarh and Sangam and other locations where rock stabilisation treatment is unfeasible due to various factors. The objective is to minimise the risk to pilgrims and establish infrastructure without disrupting the region’s ecology. Temporary and permanent structures for accommodation can potentially be built on an adjacent, solid flat rock near the cave. These are valuable recommendations derived from thorough surveys, and if implemented, they have the potential to revolutionise the pilgrimage. To address the issue of national highway closures due to landslides during the yatra, the GSI has proposed a tunnel on the Mughal road to bypass the troublesome areas. Furthermore, concerning the Jammu-Srinagar highway, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has recommended a specific alignment between Marogh and Banihal as an integral part of the landslide management plan. While this would necessitate a substantial investment, it is justified considering the risk to human lives.
The overarching goal of these surveys and suggestions is to ensure the safety of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, eliminating any unnecessary risks. In July and August, which are characterised by heavy rainfall, significant landslides often occur, leading to temporary halts in the yatra that can last for several days. All conceivable efforts and energy have been dedicated to finding solutions to these pressing challenges to ensure the safety and success of the pilgrimage. Both the UT Administration and the Central Government are working in concert to alleviate the challenges of the ShriAmarnathji pilgrimage. It will take a few years to realise this visionary development, but the Government is resolute in resolving all Yatra-related issues.
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