Ensure safe, seamless, spiritually fulfilling AmarnathYatra: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Jun 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday called for ensuring a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling AmarnathYatra.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the preparedness for the AmarnathYatra 2026, LG Sinha directed all departments to ensure the timely completion of arrangements, including infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity, and other pilgrim-centric services.

“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani,” he said.

Emphasising seamless coordination, proactive planning, and strict monitoring, the LG said, “This sacred pilgrimage is a national event.”

He instructed all stakeholders to work with utmost dedication and maintain the highest standards of efficiency and safety.

LG Sinha stressed the need for a whole-of-government approach and close coordinated efforts by various departments and organisations to manage and facilitate the Yatra 2026.

While reviewing the infrastructure works, he was apprised that the tracks along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes have been widened to around 12 feet to make the journey comfortable, and that all remaining works are progressing as per timelines.

The LG directed the concerned agencies, including BRO, to ensure that both tracks are fully functional by June 25 and that crash barriers and handrailings are installed at all vulnerable points on the roads leading to the two base camps.

He also reviewed arrangements related to road connectivity, sanitation, water and power supply, registration management, health facilities, disaster management, transportation, lodgementcentres, holding spaces and telecom connectivity.

LG Sinha directed the concerned authorities to enhance holding capacity at key locations, increase the number of toilets and ambulances, and ensure comprehensive disaster preparedness.

He asked the Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag to conduct a thorough inspection of the tracks, identify slippery stretches and shooting-stone areas, and ensure installation of adequate warning signage at vulnerable spots.

The LG directed pitching only high-quality and aesthetic tents at various camps, and stressed that no unauthorised tents should be permitted.

“All service providers and pilgrims shall be required to have valid registration and RFID cards for moving on the Yatra tracks. Pony stands are to be properly fenced, and a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan is to be prepared well in advance,” he said.

LG Sinha also directed telecom service providers to ensure seamless connectivity along the yatra route.

All concerned departments have been instructed to set up their respective yatra camps and centres by June 20.

During the meeting, it was informed that a large number of pilgrims are getting registered, and the Yatra is expected to be higher compared to that in recent yatras.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Mandeep K Bhandari, presented a detailed overview of the works executed 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, NalinPrabhat; Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, ShahleenKabra; Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism Department, Ashish Chandra Verma; Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Shailendra Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department, Anil Kumar Singh; Commandant General, Home Guard, CD, and SDRF; A G Mir; Principal Secretary, Home Department, Chandraker Bharti; Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Mandeep K. Bhandari; Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Alok Kumar, Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone and Kashmir Zone, Divisional Commissioners;  Deputy Commissioners and senior officials of the shrine board and all the line departments.