Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 10

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday directed government departments and agencies to ensure timely completion of all arrangements for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, stressing the need for a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for devotees.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage, Sinha said coordinated efforts by all stakeholders would be crucial for the successful conduct of the yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on Aug. 28.

“Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani,” the lieutenant governor said.

Describing the annual pilgrimage as a national event, Sinha called for seamless coordination, proactive planning and strict monitoring of arrangements related to security, infrastructure and pilgrim services.

He directed departments to complete works related to healthcare, sanitation, road connectivity, power and water supply, telecommunications and disaster management within stipulated timelines.

Officials informed the meeting that tracks along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes had been widened to around 12 feet and that the remaining infrastructure works were progressing according to schedule.

Sinha directed the Border Roads Organisation and other concerned agencies to ensure both pilgrimage routes are fully operational by June 25 and instructed them to install crash barriers and handrails at vulnerable locations.

The lieutenant governor also reviewed arrangements for registration, transportation, accommodation centres, holding areas and emergency response mechanisms.

He directed authorities to increase holding capacity at key locations, deploy additional ambulances and toilets, and strengthen disaster preparedness measures along the pilgrimage routes.

Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag districts were asked to inspect the tracks, identify slippery stretches and areas vulnerable to shooting stones, and ensure adequate warning signage is installed.

Sinha instructed that only authorised and approved tents be permitted at pilgrimage camps and said all pilgrims and service providers must possess valid registration documents and RFID cards while travelling on the yatra routes.

He also directed telecom service providers to ensure uninterrupted connectivity along the pilgrimage corridor and asked departments to establish their respective camps and service centres by June 20.

Officials informed the meeting that registrations were progressing at a strong pace and that the number of pilgrims undertaking the yatra this year was expected to exceed recent years.

Earlier, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer Mandeep K Bhandari briefed the meeting on arrangements being undertaken by various departments and agencies for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior civil and police officials, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and representatives of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and line departments.