National annual review meet on Amarnath Yatra to be held in Srinagar on Apr 5

Srinagar, Apr 03: The national-level annual review meeting on the Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 is scheduled to take place in Srinagar on April 5 (Saturday), bringing together key stakeholders and health officials from across the country.
The meeting will be attended by directors/concerned stakeholders from all states and Union Territories that deploy medical staff for the annual pilgrimage, along with representatives from premier health institutions. The yatra will commence on 3rd July and conclude on 9th August 2025.
According to health officials, the meeting will focus on a comprehensive review of healthcare arrangements for the Yatra. Key decisions will be made regarding medical preparedness, deployment of health professionals, and emergency response measures.
“Ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims is our top priority. The meeting will address critical aspects, including high-altitude health risks, availability of medical aid stations, and coordination among various agencies,” a senior official said.
Last year, thousands of pilgrims undertook the journey to the Amarnath cave shrine, and authorities are keen to further enhance healthcare facilities this year. Issues such as ambulance availability, oxygen supply, and high-altitude acclimatization protocols will be discussed in detail, ensuring that necessary arrangements are in place, as per past practices.
The meeting will focus on strengthening healthcare services throughout the Yatra period, with a particular emphasis on improving medical assistance for pilgrims. Officials stated that the government aims to enhance facilities and make the pilgrimage more comfortable through various initiatives.
With an increasing number of devotees expected this year, the health department is working on a well-coordinated plan to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage. A final action plan will be outlined following discussions in Saturday’s meeting.
Officials highlighted that over the past three to four years, significant improvements have been made in Yatra arrangements, and the Jammu and Kashmir administration is committed to ensuring all necessary preparations this time as well.
To improve healthcare services during the pilgrimage, the Health Department Kashmir has introduced semi-permanent infrastructure for base hospitals at Baltal. Due to proactive efforts by the government, the department has also upgraded its facilities to accommodate the rising number of pilgrims.
All hospitals and health facilities along the transit routes will have emergency response systems in place, including adequate medical personnel available at all times.
In recent years, Yatra-related casualties have declined, thanks to the state-of-the-art healthcare facilities established along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
Additionally, the health department has introduced horse ambulances—a unique initiative to provide accessible medical care to pilgrims in remote areas. This innovative approach has significantly improved emergency response services.
Although the Yatra takes place during peak summer, officials noted that the unpredictable weather at high altitudes can lead to a sudden drop in temperatures, posing potential health risks. Therefore, medical teams will be on high alert to address any emergencies arising due to harsh climatic conditions.
With the Yatra preparations in full swing, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage experience for devotees.