Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 23

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday ordered officials to strengthen security and emergency preparedness for the Amarnath pilgrimage amid heavy rain and adverse weather conditions across the region.

Chairing a high-level security review meeting attended by senior officials from the Army, police, civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces and intelligence agencies, Sinha called for heightened vigilance and intelligence-led operations against emerging security threats.

He also reviewed arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, including logistics, emergency services and the safety of pilgrims.

More than 3.91 lakh yatris had visited the Amarnath Cave shrine during the first 20 days of the pilgrimage, officials said.

Sinha said the resumption of the yatra after its suspension would depend strictly on weather conditions.

He directed authorities to strengthen flood protection measures and clear debris from drainage channels along the pilgrimage routes.

Officials were also asked to ensure round-the-clock disaster response, adequate medical supplies, oxygen cylinders, ambulances and power backup, as well as clean tracks and sufficient stocks of essential supplies.

The LG ordered that every tent be equipped with a fire extinguisher and called for regular vehicle inspections and timely weather alerts.

Authorities were also directed to prohibit unregistered service providers and enforce a mandatory prepaid service system.

The meeting reviewed arrangements along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes as authorities remained on alert amid continuing rainfall and the risk of landslides and flash floods.