Operation Shiva: Inside the massive security shield for Amarnath Yatra

With the annual Amarnath Yatra set to begin on July 3, security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have rolled out "Operation Shiva", a massive multi-layered security plan being described as the most comprehensive security arrangement ever for the pilgrimage. The 57-day yatra will continue until August 28.

Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake the arduous journey through mountainous terrain to reach the holy cave shrine of Baba Barfani. Ensuring their safety remains the highest priority for the government and security agencies.

Under the plan, sources said, an extensive security network has been established across highways, mountains, forests, base camps, railway stations, airspace and even water bodies.

India Today TV's Jitendra Bahadur Singh travelled along the pilgrimage route to prepare an exclusive ground report on the elaborate security measures, many of which are rarely seen by the public.

A MULTI-LAYERED SECURITY MODEL

The objective this year is not only to prevent terrorist attacks but also to instill confidence among pilgrims that their journey will remain safe and secure.

The Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, BSF and other central armed police forces are jointly managing security arrangements. Personnel have been deployed at all vulnerable points from Jammu to the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, with regular patrols, checkpoints and surveillance operations underway.

VALLEY QAT COMMANDOS ON NH-44

India Today TV observed members of the Valley Quick Action Team (QAT) deployed along National Highway-44, the key route used by Amarnath pilgrims.

These highly trained commandos are equipped with advanced weapons and are prepared to respond rapidly to any terror threat. Security officials said they could swing into action within minutes of receiving intelligence about suspicious activity.

In an exclusive interaction, Valley QAT in-charge Chitesh Kumar said all units are fully prepared to tackle any terror threat or security challenge during the pilgrimage.

He said rapid response capabilities, advanced weaponry, improved coordination and technology-driven surveillance form the backbone of this year's security strategy.

TIGHT SECURITY ON BALTAL, PAHALGAM ROUTES

The Baltal and Pahalgam routes, the two main pilgrimage tracks to the shrine, are under heightened surveillance this year.

Security personnel are conducting continuous patrols across mountains, forests, valleys and other vulnerable areas. Special observation posts have been established along the routes to detect and neutralise threats at an early stage.

DRONE SURVEILLANCE FROM SKIES

Modern technology is playing a major role in this year's security arrangements.

Advanced drones have been deployed at multiple locations and are conducting round-the-clock aerial surveillance over mountainous regions, dense forests and remote terrain. Any suspicious movement is relayed immediately to control rooms for prompt action.

FACIAL RECOGNITION, CCTVs

Modern CCTV cameras have been installed along pilgrimage routes, base camps, railway stations and key entry points. Many of these systems are equipped with facial recognition technology.

Security officials say the technology will help quickly identify suspicious individuals and prevent potential threats before they materialise.

BULLETPROOF VEHICLES AND RAPID RESPONSE TEAMS

Bulletproof vehicles have been deployed for patrols, movement of security personnel and emergency response duties in sensitive areas.

Security force mobility on highways has also been increased to ensure immediate assistance in case of any contingency.

The Union Home Ministry has approved the deployment of more than 670 companies of central armed police forces for the yatra, making it one of the largest security deployments in the pilgrimage's history.

Personnel have been stationed along the routes, at base camps, sensitive locations, railway stations and other strategic points. Security arrangements are being continuously reviewed.

DAILY ROUTE SANITISATION

Before the start of each day's pilgrimage, bomb disposal squads and security personnel will conduct extensive sanitisation operations across roads, bridges, forests and vulnerable areas.

The exercise is aimed at ensuring the routes remain free of explosives or suspicious objects.

RFID TRACKING, CONFIDENCE-BUILDING MEASURE FOR PILGRIMS

All registered pilgrims will be issued RFID cards, enabling authorities to track their real-time location.

Officials said the system will help quickly locate pilgrims who lose their way, require medical assistance or face emergencies during the journey.

Security agencies believe that a visible and robust security presence not only deters threats but also reassures devotees.

Officials said the combination of Army and police deployment, Valley QAT commandos, drone surveillance, facial recognition systems, RFID tracking, bulletproof vehicles, daily route sanitisation and Operation Dal has created a comprehensive security shield for the pilgrimage.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES

Authorities have widened and strengthened several stretches of the pilgrimage routes to improve crowd management and movement.

Additional electricity and lighting infrastructure has also been installed along parts of the Baltal route to enhance safety and convenience.

Pilgrims will be able to avail prepaid booking facilities for ponies, palanquins and porters. Officials said the move will improve transparency, provide safer services and curb overcharging.

CRPF LAUNCHES 'OPERATION DAL'

As many pilgrims visit Srinagar and Dal Lake after completing the yatra, the CRPF's Water Wing has launched "Operation Dal".

Special water-security units equipped with modern boats and communication systems are conducting 24-hour patrols on Dal Lake to ensure the safety of tourists and pilgrims.

India Today TV also accompanied the CRPF Water Wing during an exclusive ground report on security arrangements in the lake area.

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