Associated News Bureau

LG Reviews Amarnath Yatra Preparations, Directs Timely Completion of Pilgrim Facilities

Srinagar, June 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparedness for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and directed all concerned departments to ensure the timely completion of infrastructure and pilgrim-related arrangements ahead of the pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to provide adequate healthcare, sanitation, connectivity, transportation, disaster management and other essential services for devotees undertaking the yatra. Addressing senior officials, Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28, stressing that the administration's collective objective is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for all devotees. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, officials of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, and representatives of various departments and agencies associated with the yatra arrangements. Reviewing the preparedness measures, the Lieutenant Governor underscored the importance of seamless coordination, proactive planning and strict monitoring, describing the pilgrimage as an event of national significance. He called upon all stakeholders to work with dedication while maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and safety. Officials informed the meeting that registrations for the pilgrimage have witnessed a significant response and that the number of pilgrims is expected to surpass recent years. In view of the anticipated increase in footfall, the Lieutenant Governor stressed the need for a whole-of-government approach and close coordination among all departments. During the review of infrastructure works, officials apprised the meeting that tracks along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes have been widened to approximately 12 feet to facilitate smoother movement of pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to ensure that all remaining works are completed and both routes are fully operational by June 25. He also instructed authorities to install crash barriers and hand railings at vulnerable locations leading to the base camps. The meeting also reviewed arrangements related to road connectivity, water and power supply, sanitation, registration management, healthcare facilities, transportation, lodging centres, disaster preparedness and telecom connectivity. The Lieutenant Governor directed authorities to enhance holding capacities at key locations, increase the number of toilets and ambulances, and strengthen disaster management mechanisms. Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were instructed to conduct comprehensive inspections of the pilgrimage tracks, identify slippery stretches and shooting-stone zones, and ensure installation of adequate warning signage at vulnerable points. Sinha further directed that only high-quality and aesthetically designed tents be allowed at various camps and that no unauthorized tents be permitted. He reiterated that all service providers and pilgrims must possess valid registration and RFID cards while moving along the yatra routes. Authorities were also instructed to properly fence pony stands, prepare a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan, and ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity throughout the pilgrimage corridor. All departments have been directed to establish their respective yatra camps and service centres by June 20. Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, presented a detailed overview of the arrangements and works being undertaken by various departments and agencies for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.