SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at Pahalgam to assess preparations for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, which is scheduled to commence on July 3, directing all departments to ensure seamless arrangements, foolproof security and a safe pilgrimage experience for devotees.
The Lieutenant Governor reviewed arrangements related to logistics, accommodation, healthcare facilities, sanitation, power and water supply, civic amenities, road connectivity, RFID cards, functioning of joint control rooms, track maintenance and widening works, construction of footbridges, establishment of langars, creation of holding areas, traffic management and security preparedness.
Emphasising the need for meticulous planning, Sinha directed officials to adopt a comprehensive approach for the management of the pilgrimage and maintain an absolute zero-tolerance policy towards operational lapses.
“Management of the Yatra requires a comprehensive, hybrid planning approach with an absolute zero-tolerance policy for operational lapses. Operations must aggressively mitigate the risks associated with high altitudes, harsh weather and extreme crowd density,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor instructed officials to establish weather-based evacuation protocols and strategically deploy Mountain Response Teams at critical points along the route. He also directed that all transit tents undergo rigorous quality inspections and be equipped with functional fire extinguishers.
Calling for enhanced crowd management, Sinha stressed the use of real-time crowd analysis to identify and remove bottlenecks on the tracks. He also ordered robust traffic management plans and designated parking zones to prevent congestion and ensure uninterrupted movement of essential supplies.
He asked all departments and agencies to work in close coordination for timely completion of ongoing works and directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to finish all assigned projects before the commencement of the Yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor further instructed officials to conduct regular field inspections to identify and address gaps promptly. He said transit camps and halt points should have trained manpower and reliable water and power supplies for the convenience of pilgrims and service providers.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag briefed the meeting on overall arrangements being made for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, while SSP Anantnag presented a detailed overview of the multi-layered security framework planned along the route.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Sinha said all preparations had been finalised.
“The Jammu and Kashmir Administration, Police, Security Forces, Government of India and the Shrine Board have finalized all preparations to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching experience for the devotees of Baba Amarnath. Local residents and all stakeholders are eager to welcome pilgrims arriving from across the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the successful restoration of two flood-damaged bridges over the Ravi River and Sehar Khad near Kalibari on National Highway-44, restoring a key transport link between Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the Yatra.
In a post on X, Gadkari said the bridges, which had sustained extensive damage during last year’s flash floods, were restored on priority and completed within the stipulated timeline.
“The reopening of these bridges will ensure seamless connectivity, facilitate the smooth movement of passengers and freight, and provide substantial relief to devotees undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra, while strengthening regional mobility and economic activity,” he said.
Welcoming the development, Lieutenant Governor Sinha termed it “great news” ahead of the pilgrimage and thanked the Union Minister for restoring the crucial link, saying it would significantly benefit pilgrims and improve movement of passengers and goods.
As part of heightened security measures, police, assisted by the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), conducted a cordon and search operation in several sensitive areas of the R S Pura border belt in Jammu district.
Officials said searches were carried out at identified hotspot locations in the Chakroi area, including houses of persons with criminal antecedents, while similar operations were undertaken in the Baspur Bangla area.
“All identified premises were searched in the presence of family members and occupants while strictly following legal procedures. No suspicious persons, contraband, incriminating material or objectionable items were recovered during the operation,” officials said.
Police said the exercise formed part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order, strengthen security and prevent anti-social and unlawful activities ahead of the 57-day pilgrimage.
The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will begin on July 3 through the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
