Satish Sharma visits Baltal

Ganderbal, Jun 25: In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2025, Minister for Transport, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Science and Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, Wednesday visited the Baltal Base Camp to inspect and review the arrangements being put in place for smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
During the visit, the Minister reviewed the availability and stocking of essential commodities for Langar Wallas, pilgrims and other stakeholders associated with the Yatra. He inspected the Food Store established at the Baltal Base Camp and took firsthand stock of food grains and other essentials.
During the visit, he was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; Director FCS&CA, Dr. Owais Ahmed; RTO Kashmir; Deputy Director FCS&CA Kashmir; and officers from the Youth Services and Sports Department and other line departments.
The Director FCS&CA briefed the Minister about the current stock position, informing that sufficient food grains and petroleum products have been stored in the designated locations along the Baltal axis. These included Kulan Godown, Base Camp Baltal, Dumail Camp, Brarimarg, Panchtarni and Holy Cave to meet the Yatra requirements.
Later, Satish Sharma chaired a review meeting at Sonamarg with officers of various departments to assess the overall preparedness.
While reviewing the department-wise preparedness, the Minister directed the FCS&CA officials to ensure there is no shortage of food grains during the Yatra. He asked them to keep additional stocks available to cater to any exigency. He further directed the AD FCS&CA Ganderbal to ensure adequate manpower at all storage sites, which shall remain operational round-the-clock to address any logistical or supply-related issues.
The Minister also reviewed the transport facilities available for the pilgrims.
The RTO Kashmir apprised him that SRTC buses and mini-buses have been mobilized and will be in service throughout the Yatra period.
The Minister assured full support from the UT administration and emphasized coordinated efforts by all departments to ensure successful and seamless conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025.