JAMMU: Ahead of the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra, police on Monday conducted a comprehensive mock drill at the high-security Bhagwati Nagar base camp here to ensure safety and preparedness for the pilgrimage.
The 38-day yatra to the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir will begin on July 3 from the twin routes— the 48-km traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The first batch of pilgrims will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 2.
“In view of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, police carried out multiple preparedness exercises to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims at the base camp,” a police spokesperson said.
The mock drill involved various agencies, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) Jammu, CRPF, Security Wing, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, civil administration, zonal officers, and other territorial police officials, he said.
Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) from sub-divisional level security setups also participated in the drill.
A detailed briefing was conducted for all personnel to reinforce surveillance measures, validate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and maintain a high state of alertness, the spokesperson said.
“The primary objective of the exercise was to provide hands-on training to all teams, ensuring they are equipped to manage real-time operations in case of any emergency,” he added.
The exercise concluded successfully, showcasing the readiness and coordination among participating agencies.
Jammu Police reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and smooth Yatra experience for all pilgrims.
The Security Wing of Jammu and Kashmir Police has assumed charge of security within the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, while the CRPF is tasked with managing the outer perimeter.
The Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu serves as the main base camp for pilgrims arriving from across the country en route to the cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas of south Kashmir. (PTI)