Ensure timely completion of Amarnath Yatra arrangements: Lt Governor to departments

Srinagar, Jun 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting here to review preparations for forthcoming Amarnath Yatra slated to commence on July 3.
The Lieutenant Governor directed all departments to ensure timely completion of arrangements including infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity, and other pilgrim centric services.
“Amarnath 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,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Emphasizing seamless coordination, proactive planning, and strict monitoring, the Lieutenant Governor stated that 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.
During the meeting, it was informed that large number of pilgrims are getting registered, and the Yatra is expected to be higher as compared to that in recent Yatras.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed upon the need for whole of government approach and close coordinated efforts by various departments and organizations to manage and facilitate the Yatra 2026.
The Lieutenant Governor, while reviewing the infrastructure works, was apprised that the tracks along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes have been widened to around 12-feet in order to make the journey comfortable, and that all the remaining works are progressing as per timelines. He directed the concerned agencies, including BRO, to ensure that both tracks are fully functional by June 25 and that crash barriers and hand railings are installed at all vulnerable points on the roads leading to the two base camps.
The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed arrangements relating to road connectivity, sanitation, water and power supply, registration management, health facilities, disaster management, transportation, lodgement centres, holding spaces and telecom connectivity. He directed the concerned authorities to enhance holding capacity at key locations, increase the number of toilets and ambulances, and ensure comprehensive disaster preparedness. Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were asked to conduct thorough inspection of the tracks, identify slippery stretches and shooting stone areas, and ensure installation of adequate warning signage at vulnerable spots.
He further directed that pitching of only high quality and aesthetic tents at various camps should be ensured, and no unauthorized tents 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. The Lieutenant Governor 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.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Amarnath Ji ne Board, Dr 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, Nalin Prabhat; Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shahleen Kabra; Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar; Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism Department, Dr. 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 & SDRF; AG Mir; Principal Secretary, Home Department, Chandraker Bharti; Chief Executive Officer, Amarnath Ji ne Board, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Director, Fire & Emergency Services, Alok Kumar, Administrative Secretaries, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone and Kashmir Zone, Divisional Commissioners; Deputy Commissioners and senior officials of ne Board and all the line departments.