Directs All Departments to Adopt Whole-of-Government Approach for Safe and Smooth Pilgrimage; Tracks to Be Ready by June 25, Camps by June 20
SRINAGAR, June 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and directed all departments to ensure time-bound completion of arrangements, stressing that the safe, smooth and spiritually enriching conduct of the annual pilgrimage remains the administration’s foremost priority.
As per news agency KNC, the Lieutenant Governor reviewed the status of infrastructure development, healthcare facilities, sanitation, power and water supply, transport services, disaster management measures and other pilgrim-centric arrangements ahead of the Yatra scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Addressing the meeting, LG Sinha said the annual pilgrimage is a significant national event and called for seamless coordination, proactive planning and strict monitoring by all stakeholders to facilitate lakhs of devotees expected to undertake the Yatra this year.
“Our collective objective is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for every devotee of Baba Barfani,” he said, urging officials to maintain the highest standards of efficiency, dedication and safety.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag, senior police officers and officials of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and line departments.
Officials informed the meeting that pilgrim registrations have witnessed a significant response and the turnout is expected to surpass recent years, necessitating enhanced arrangements across all sectors.
Reviewing infrastructure works on the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, the Lieutenant Governor was informed that both tracks have been widened to nearly 12 feet to facilitate smoother movement of pilgrims and that the remaining works are progressing according to schedule.
LG Sinha directed the concerned agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to ensure both Yatra tracks are fully operational by June 25. He also instructed that crash barriers and hand railings be installed at all vulnerable stretches leading to the twin base camps.
The Lieutenant Governor reviewed preparations related to road connectivity, sanitation, drinking water, electricity supply, registration management, healthcare services, transportation facilities, lodgement centres, holding areas and telecom connectivity.
He directed authorities to enhance holding capacities at key locations, increase the number of toilets and ambulances, and ensure comprehensive disaster preparedness during the pilgrimage period.
Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were asked to undertake detailed inspections of the Yatra tracks, identify slippery patches and shooting-stone prone areas, and install adequate warning signages at vulnerable locations.
LG Sinha further instructed that only high-quality and aesthetically designed tents should be pitched at designated camps and warned that no unauthorized tents would be permitted. He said all pilgrims and service providers must possess valid registration documents and RFID cards while moving along the Yatra routes.
He also directed authorities to properly fence pony stands, prepare a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan well in advance and ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity throughout the pilgrimage route.
All departments concerned have been asked to establish their respective Yatra camps and operational centres by June 20 to facilitate smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, gave a detailed presentation on the arrangements and progress achieved by various departments and agencies for the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. (KNC)
