SRINAGAR: Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting in Srinagar to review preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
The Lieutenant Governor directed all departments to ensure timely completion of arrangements, including infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity and other pilgrim-centric services, stressing that coordinated and time-bound execution was essential for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
He said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is a significant national event and called for seamless coordination among all stakeholders, with proactive planning and strict monitoring to ensure safety and efficiency throughout the pilgrimage period.
The meeting was informed that a large number of pilgrims are registering for the Yatra, with expectations that the turnout may exceed that of recent years. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need for a whole-of-government approach to manage the anticipated rush and ensure adequate facilities at all stages of the pilgrimage.
Reviewing infrastructure works, the Lieutenant Governor was briefed that tracks on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes have been widened to around 12 feet to improve pilgrim convenience. He directed the concerned agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to ensure that both tracks are fully functional by June 25 and that crash barriers and hand railings are installed at all vulnerable locations along the routes to the base camps.
He also reviewed arrangements related to road connectivity, sanitation, water and power supply, registration systems, health facilities, disaster management, transportation, lodging centres, holding areas and telecom connectivity. He directed authorities to enhance holding capacity at key locations, increase the availability of toilets and ambulances, and ensure comprehensive disaster preparedness measures.
Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were instructed to carry out detailed inspections of the tracks, identify slippery stretches and areas prone to shooting stones, and ensure adequate warning signage at vulnerable points.
The Lieutenant Governor further directed that only high-quality and aesthetically appropriate tents be permitted at camps, with strict action against unauthorised structures. He said all service providers and pilgrims must have valid registration and RFID cards for movement along the Yatra routes. He also instructed that pony stands be properly fenced and a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan be put in place well in advance. Telecom operators were directed to ensure uninterrupted connectivity along the entire route.
All concerned departments have been asked to establish their respective Yatra camps and centres by June 20.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Mandeep K Bhandari, presented a detailed overview of ongoing works undertaken by various departments and agencies for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretaries, senior administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and other senior officials from concerned departments.
