Srinagar, July 13 -- The proposal to develop a third route to the Shri Amarnathji cave from Minamarg, near Drass, should be seen as an important infrastructure and pilgrimage-management idea. It opens a conversation that is both timely and necessary: can new connectivity make the Yatra safer, more accessible and better distributed without compromising the fragile Himalayan environment?

At present, pilgrims reach the holy cave through two established routes. The traditional Pahalgam axis passes through Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Sheshnag and Panchtarni. It is longer, more gradual and deeply woven into the sacred narrative of the pilgrimage. The Baltal route is shorter but considerably steeper and physically more demanding.

The proposed Mina...