Srinagar, June 10:
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level review meeting on Wednesday to assess the preparedness for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 and directed all departments to ensure timely completion of pilgrim-centric arrangements.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28, 2026.
Addressing senior officials during the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor said that the collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani. He emphasized the need for seamless coordination, proactive planning and strict monitoring among all departments and agencies involved in the Yatra.
Officials informed the meeting that registrations for the pilgrimage are witnessing a strong response and the number of pilgrims is expected to be higher than in recent years. The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for a whole-of-government approach to effectively manage the expected rush.
Reviewing infrastructure works, officials informed that the tracks on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes have been widened to around 12 feet to facilitate smoother movement of pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to ensure that all remaining works are completed by June 25. He also ordered the installation of crash barriers and hand railings at vulnerable points along the routes leading to the base camps.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements related to road connectivity, sanitation, water and power supply, healthcare services, disaster management, transportation, accommodation centres and telecom connectivity. The Lieutenant Governor directed authorities to increase holding capacity at key locations, enhance the number of toilets and ambulances, and ensure comprehensive disaster preparedness.
Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were instructed to inspect the Yatra tracks, identify slippery stretches and shooting stone-prone areas, and install adequate warning signboards at vulnerable locations.
The Lieutenant Governor further directed that only high-quality and aesthetically designed tents should be pitched at Yatra camps and that no unauthorized tents be allowed. He also emphasized that all pilgrims and service providers must carry valid registration and RFID cards while moving on the Yatra routes.
Additionally, authorities have been asked to properly fence pony stands, prepare a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan and ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity throughout the pilgrimage route.
All concerned departments have been directed to establish their respective Yatra camps and centres by June 20.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, senior administrative officers, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, officials of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and representatives of various departments and agencies involved in the Yatra arrangements.
