SRINAGAR: Amid a heavy rush of pilgrims for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra-2026, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday directed officials to carry out a comprehensive audit of facilities along both pilgrimage routes and address shortcomings immediately to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Srinagar, Dulloo assessed the arrangements put in place along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, at base camps and other key locations. He stressed better coordination among departments, saying there should be no room for delays or complacency during the annual pilgrimage.
Officials informed the meeting that the Yatra has received an overwhelming response this year, requiring continuous monitoring and further strengthening of facilities on the ground.
The meeting reviewed recommendations submitted by Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer Dr Mandeep K Bhandari following inspections carried out by different committees to assess preparedness and identify areas requiring improvement.
Several measures to enhance pilgrim safety and infrastructure were discussed, including tiling of the track leading to the Holy Cave Shrine, widening of narrow stretches and bridges, construction of retaining walls in landslide-prone areas, installation of additional barricades for crowd management, and increasing rain shelters and waiting areas.
Officials were also asked to ensure sufficient availability of palkis and stretchers for emergency evacuations besides strengthening medical response facilities along the route.
The Chief Secretary reviewed essential services at Yatra camps, including drinking water supply, sanitation, toilet and bathing facilities, waste management and healthcare arrangements. The meeting also discussed installation of more digital display boards for public advisories, improvement of firefighting infrastructure and enhancement of disaster preparedness measures.
Senior officers from the civil administration, Shrine Board, Police, CAPFs, BRO/BEACON and district administrations of Anantnag and Ganderbal briefed the meeting about the arrangements and ongoing improvements.
Dulloo directed all departments to form dedicated audit teams for regular inspection of facilities on both routes and ensure immediate action wherever gaps are noticed.
He said seamless coordination among all agencies was crucial for the smooth conduct of the Yatra, adding that the safety, security and comfort of every pilgrim remain the administration’s top priority.
