Authorities have announced stricter safety and environmental measures for the upcoming Manimahesh Yatra in Himachal Pradesh following the severe disruption and casualties during the 2025 pilgrimage. The annual Himalayan pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva will begin on August 25, with the administration introducing new regulations aimed at preventing overcrowding, improving emergency response and protecting the fragile mountain ecosystem.

For the first time, devotees participating in the yatra will be required to complete mandatory online registration and slot booking through an e-pass system similar to the Amarnath Yatra. Registration will begin from August 1 through the official portal. The Chamba district administration has decided to initially allow around 5,000 pilgrims per day, with the quota subject to increase during major religious occasions depending on weather conditions, security arrangements and the capacity of the route.

The administration has also introduced measures including drone surveillance, controlled pilgrim movement and restrictions on certain trekking routes. Officials said the traditional parikrama route through Kugti village will remain closed this year due to safety concerns. The decision follows the heavy damage caused during last year’s pilgrimage, when flash floods and continuous rainfall disrupted connectivity and created major challenges for thousands of devotees.

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Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal said the new registration system would help regulate pilgrim movement, prevent excessive crowding and allow authorities to respond more effectively during emergencies. He added that strict implementation of National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines would remain a priority, including scientific waste disposal, reducing single-use plastic usage and maintaining cleanliness along the entire pilgrimage route.

The 2025 disaster left more than 15,000 pilgrims stranded after sections of the Chamba-Bharmour highway were damaged by floods and landslides. Rescue operations were carried out by the Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force and local volunteers through road and air routes. Several deaths were reported during the crisis, with a significant number occurring on the challenging Kugti route.

The Manimahesh Yatra involves a high-altitude trek to the sacred Manimahesh Lake, located around 13,500 feet near Kailash Peak in Chamba district. Every year, lakhs of devotees undertake the 13-kilometre trek from Hadsar village to take a holy dip in the lake. Officials said the revised arrangements are intended to ensure a safer pilgrimage experience while preserving the ecological balance of the Himalayan region.

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