Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting at Pahalgam and directed officials to ensure seamless arrangements, foolproof security, and a comprehensive disaster management plan for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, which is scheduled to commence on July 3.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the civil administration, police, security agencies, and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to assess preparedness for the annual pilgrimage.
Emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning, the Lieutenant Governor said the Yatra requires a comprehensive hybrid approach with zero tolerance for operational lapses. He instructed all departments to proactively address challenges associated with high-altitude conditions, unpredictable weather, and heavy pilgrim movement.
To strengthen pilgrim safety, Sinha directed officials to establish weather-based evacuation protocols and strategically deploy Mountain Response Teams (MRTs) along vulnerable stretches of the route. He also instructed that all transit tents undergo rigorous quality inspections and be equipped with functional fire extinguishers.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for real-time crowd monitoring to identify and eliminate bottlenecks on the trekking routes. He further called for effective traffic management plans, designated parking areas, and uninterrupted transportation of essential supplies throughout the Yatra period.
Reviewing infrastructure and civic facilities, Sinha directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination for the timely completion of ongoing projects. He asked the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to complete all assigned works before the commencement of the pilgrimage.
The review covered key aspects, including logistics, accommodation, healthcare services, sanitation, drinking water, electricity supply, road connectivity, RFID registration, joint control rooms, track widening, footbridge construction, langar facilities, holding areas, traffic regulation, and security arrangements.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized continuous field inspections, directing officials to ensure that transit camps and halt points are adequately staffed and provided with reliable water and power supply to facilitate a comfortable experience for pilgrims and service providers.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Sinha said the Administration, Police, Security Forces, Government of India, and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board have finalized all preparations to ensure a safe, secure, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
He added that local residents and stakeholders are fully prepared to welcome devotees arriving from across the country.
Earlier in the day, the Lieutenant Governor visited the Nunwan Base Camp, where he conducted an on-ground inspection of accommodation facilities and other infrastructure. He directed officers to expedite pending works while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and pilgrim convenience.
During the review, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat briefed the meeting on administrative arrangements, while Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Anantnag Amod Nagpure Ashok presented the multi-layered security framework designed to safeguard pilgrims throughout the Yatra route.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports Department and Nodal Officer for the Pahalgam Axis, Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V.K. Birdi, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, along with other senior officers.
