Srinagar

Security agencies on Tuesday carried out a full-scale mock drill across key locations in Kashmir to test emergency preparedness and the multi-layer security framework put in place ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which begins on July 3.

The 57-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine will commence simultaneously from the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to leave the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on July 2.

Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone) V K Birdi said the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with other security agencies, has established a comprehensive multi-tier security arrangement for the pilgrimage.

"We are carrying out a full dress rehearsal and mock drills to ensure that every security personnel is fully aware of their responsibilities. If any contingency arises, every security force should be able to respond effectively," Birdi told reporters.

He said extensive monitoring systems have been deployed across the pilgrimage routes, including elevated surveillance positions that allow security personnel to detect any unusual movement or suspicious activity and respond immediately.

Highlighting the increasing use of technology, Birdi said the security grid has been strengthened through an extensive network of CCTV cameras equipped with advanced recognition features.

"This time as well, Jammu and Kashmir Police has installed CCTV surveillance cameras across the entire yatra route. The system has recognition capabilities that can identify adverse entities entering the monitored areas, allowing security personnel to intervene promptly," he said.

Apart from security threats, authorities are also preparing for weather-related emergencies, which remain a significant concern along the higher-altitude stretches of the pilgrimage.

Birdi said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted tabletop exercises involving all stakeholders, including the Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and district disaster management authorities.

These exercises include vulnerability mapping of landslide-prone areas, avalanche zones and glacier features to help authorities prepare for natural emergencies.

"Mountain Rescue Teams have also been deployed so that any weather-related contingency can be handled promptly," he said.

The IGP appealed to pilgrims to strictly adhere to the travel schedules and timing advisories issued by the authorities.

"My request to all pilgrims is to check the notified timings and plan their journey accordingly. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure everyone's safety. They should follow the timing cut-offs and travel discipline so that the yatra proceeds smoothly," he said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Srinagar) G V Sundeep Chakravarthy said the mock exercise was jointly conducted by Srinagar Police, civil administration, the security wing, traffic police, paramilitary forces, Fire and Emergency Services, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies.

"The objective is to practically assess the emergency response, preparedness and communication among all stakeholders. Various scenarios are being simulated at strategic locations across Srinagar to evaluate the effectiveness of our emergency preparedness and coordination mechanisms," Chakravarthy said.

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Authorities have significantly strengthened security arrangements this year amid heightened vigilance, with personnel, surveillance infrastructure and disaster response teams positioned along both pilgrimage routes to ensure the safe conduct of the annual yatra.