Srinagar, June 25 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at Pahalgam to assess the preparedness for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, scheduled to commence on July 3. He directed all departments to ensure seamless arrangements, foolproof security, and a safe, comfortable and spiritually enriching experience for the pilgrims.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports and Nodal Officer for Pahalgam Axis Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, IGP Traffic J&K M. Suleman Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure Ashok, besides senior officers from the civil administration, police and security forces.
During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor reviewed preparations across all key sectors, including logistics, accommodation, healthcare facilities, sanitation, power and water supply, civic amenities, road connectivity, RFID card distribution, functioning of joint control rooms, track maintenance and widening, construction of footbridges, establishment of langars, creation of holding areas, traffic management and security arrangements.
Stressing the need for meticulous planning, the Lieutenant Governor said the management of the Yatra requires a comprehensive hybrid approach with zero tolerance for operational lapses. He directed officials to strengthen disaster management mechanisms, establish weather-based evacuation protocols, and strategically deploy Mountain Response Teams (MRTs) at vulnerable locations along the pilgrimage route.
He also instructed that all transit tents must undergo strict quality inspections and be equipped with functional fire extinguishers. Emphasizing efficient crowd management, the Lieutenant Governor directed authorities to use real-time crowd analysis to identify and clear congestion points, while implementing robust traffic management plans and designated parking zones to ensure uninterrupted movement of pilgrims and essential supplies.
The Lieutenant Governor called for close coordination among all departments and agencies to ensure timely completion of works and improved service delivery. He specifically directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to complete all assigned infrastructure works before the commencement of the Yatra.
He further instructed officials to undertake regular monitoring and on-ground inspections to address any gaps without delay. Transit camps and halt points, he said, must have trained manpower along with reliable water and electricity supply to facilitate both pilgrims and service providers.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat briefed the meeting on the overall arrangements being made for the smooth and hassle-free conduct of the annual pilgrimage, while SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure Ashok gave a detailed presentation on the multi-layered security framework and comprehensive safety measures planned along the entire Yatra route.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the Jammu and Kashmir Administration, Police, Security Forces, Government of India and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board have finalized all preparations to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for devotees of Baba Amarnath.
He added that local residents and all stakeholders are eager to welcome pilgrims arriving from across the country, expressing confidence that the Yatra would be conducted smoothly and peacefully. (KNC)
