Srinagar: Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has intensified weather monitoring and disaster preparedness measures by deploying advanced surveillance systems, specialised rescue teams, and an integrated early warning mechanism to ensure pilgrim safety.
The enhanced preparedness comes in the wake of the 2022 flash floods near the Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine, which highlighted the need for stronger weather tracking and faster emergency response during the pilgrimage.
Officials said four Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) installed at Srinagar, Banihal Top, Jammu, and Leh are now operational to provide real-time weather monitoring along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes as well as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The radar network will help detect localised weather events, including cloudbursts, heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and strong winds, allowing authorities to issue timely alerts and regulate pilgrim movement whenever necessary.
Weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) will be transmitted through an integrated communication system to camp commanders, disaster management agencies, and the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Srinagar. Real-time weather information will also be displayed at major base camps, including Baltal and Nunwan, to keep pilgrims updated.
The administration has deployed 45 specialised Mountain Rescue Teams at 25 strategic locations along the Yatra routes, including the Holy Cave area and other landslide-prone stretches. The teams have been equipped with modern rescue equipment and trained to handle emergencies such as flash floods, landslides, and accidents.
“ The Meteorological Department keeps us continuously updated with real-time weather inputs. Based on those forecasts, we plan, prepare and implement our response measures accordingly,” an official said.
Officials said vulnerable spots along the pilgrimage route have been identified and mapped, with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces positioned for immediate rescue and relief operations.
The disaster response teams will remain deployed throughout the pilgrimage period, complementing the multi-layered security arrangements already in place for the annual Amarnath Yatra. (KNO)
