𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐘𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday acknowledged that while tourism in the region has suffered, the government’s immediate focus is on ensuring the safe and successful conduct of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Speaking to the media, Abdullah said that both civil and security arrangements are being put in place for the annual pilgrimage, which will take place via the Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam routes. He emphasized that preparations for the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3, are currently a top priority. He added that efforts to revive tourism would begin only after the Amarnath Yatra concludes peacefully.

“As far as civil arrangements are concerned, we are fully prepared. Security-wise, necessary measures will be taken. Our main focus now is the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela on June 3, followed by the Amarnath Ji Yatra. We are committed to ensuring that it proceeds smoothly and that all pilgrims return safely,” Abdullah said.

He further noted, “Tourism has taken a hit, but we are currently not taking any steps on that front. Once the situation stabilizes and the yatra is over, we will consult tourism stakeholders to plan its revival.”

With less than two months to go for the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra 2025, scheduled to start on July 3, preparations are gaining momentum, especially along the Pahalgam route.

At the Nunwan Base Camp near Pahalgam, the central hub for registration and logistics, a comprehensive verification and registration process is underway for ponies, handlers, and service providers. These individuals are crucial for supporting the trek to the holy Amarnath cave shrine.

A joint team from the Labour and Animal Husbandry Departments in Anantnag is managing the process at checkpoints, verifying documents and conducting health checks for ponies to ensure their fitness for the journey.