Srinagar, July 1: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday conducted a comprehensive inspection of arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 at the Yatra Facilitation Centre, Nowgam Railway Station, and the Yatra Transit Camp and Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk, asserting that all preparations have been completed to ensure a safe, smooth, and comfortable pilgrimage.
The Divisional Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, who reviewed the facilities and preparedness at the respective Yatra locations.
During the inspection, Garg assessed accommodation facilities, sanitation arrangements for men and women, drinking water supply, and the functioning of RFID and eKYC registration counters. He instructed the concerned officials to install adequate directional signages to facilitate hassle-free movement of pilgrims to various service and assistance centres.
Speaking to reporters, the Divisional Commissioner said the district administrations of Srinagar and Budgam have made comprehensive arrangements to welcome the devotees and ensure their comfortable stay throughout the pilgrimage. He stated that nearly four lakh pilgrims have already registered online for this year’s Yatra, reflecting a significant increase compared to the previous year.
He informed that the annual pilgrimage will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28, expressing confidence that the number of pilgrims is expected to rise further due to the increased tourist inflow witnessed in Kashmir this year. To manage the anticipated rush, additional RFID and eKYC registration counters have been established at Nowgam Railway Station and Srinagar Airport.
Garg said the Yatra will continue under the convoy system from Jammu with robust security arrangements in place. He added that convoy cut-off timings have already been widely publicised to ensure better awareness among the pilgrims.
The Divisional Commissioner further stated that priority for issuing RFID cards will be given to pilgrims who have completed online registration. However, he said on-the-spot registration facilities have also been established at Pantha Chowk and other designated base camps along both Yatra routes. RFID cards for such pilgrims will be issued subject to the availability of the prescribed quota and accommodation capacity.
Highlighting the difficult terrain along the pilgrimage routes, Garg said real-time weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) will be displayed on digital screens at Pantha Chowk and all major base camps to keep pilgrims informed about prevailing weather conditions.
He also informed that dedicated mountain rescue teams, along with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other security agencies, have been deployed to respond promptly to emergencies and provide timely assistance during the Yatra.
Emphasising seamless coordination, the Divisional Commissioner directed all departments and agencies to work in close cooperation to ensure the smooth, secure, and successful conduct of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, reaffirming that the administration is fully prepared to welcome devotees from across the country. (KNC)
