LG Sinha Felicitates Stakeholders for Successful Conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026
Srinagar, August 30, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday felicitated officers and personnel of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), civil administration, Army, CAPFs, J&K Police, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), medical services, service providers and other stakeholders for their contribution to the successful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the pilgrimage represented a collective resolve that turned difficult circumstances into opportunities for dedicated public service. He described the successful conduct of the Yatra as a reflection of coordinated efforts by multiple departments, security forces, service providers and local communities.
Expressing gratitude to all those associated with the pilgrimage, including security personnel, sanitation workers, pony operators, pithu bearers, palanquin carriers, langar volunteers and medical professionals, Sinha said the smooth and dignified conduct of the Yatra, despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, was not the achievement of any single institution.
He attributed the success to the collective efforts of “Team Jammu Kashmir”, saying that the discipline, coordination and commitment demonstrated during the pilgrimage provided a strong example of effective public service.
The 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra was conducted from July 3 to August 28, 2026. According to official figures, around 4.80 lakh devotees had darshan of Baba Barfani during the pilgrimage. Adverse weather conditions posed significant challenges for more than 10 days, requiring continuous coordination and close monitoring of arrangements.
The administration reported that 82 per cent of the pilgrims completed their darshan within the first 20 days, while the figure rose to 95 per cent by the end of the first month.
As many as 54,000 service providers were registered for the Yatra, including 31,000 pony operators, pithu bearers and palanquin carriers, 6,400 tent and shop operators, and 7,700 langar volunteers. Around 1.87 lakh pilgrims availed themselves of pony and palanquin services during the pilgrimage.
To strengthen healthcare facilities along the Yatra routes, 93 medical facilities were established, comprising 595 clinical beds and 26 oxygen booths. Around 1,430 doctors and nursing personnel remained deployed round the clock, supported by 48 ambulances to respond to medical emergencies.
The administration also undertook extensive sanitation measures under the zero-waste Yatra initiative. Around 7,900 toilets were installed and maintained by an equal number of sanitation workers along the pilgrimage route.
The holding capacity within the Yatra area was increased to 63,000, while the overall holding capacity across the Jammu and Kashmir divisions was raised to 54,000, helping authorities manage pilgrim movement during periods of heavy influx and adverse weather.
Aadhaar-based registration was also utilised to address the issue of duplicate registrations and improve the management of pilgrim movement.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the role of real-time monitoring and inter-departmental coordination in ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Twice-daily coordination meetings, held at 3 a.m. and 8 p.m., were led by Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor. The meetings brought together nodal officers, police authorities, Divisional Commissioners and camp officers to assess the situation and coordinate necessary measures.
Sinha said the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra represents the enduring Sanatan tradition of India and its values of humanity, coexistence and collective service. He observed that pilgrims returning from the holy cave carried with them not only the experience of the pilgrimage but also the message of Jammu Kashmir’s culture, hospitality and spirit of service.
The Lieutenant Governor also acknowledged the support extended by civil society organisations, political parties and religious leaders in facilitating the successful conduct of the Yatra.
He said the discipline, energy and coordination displayed during the pilgrimage should be transformed into a sustained culture of collective responsibility and development across Jammu Kashmir.
“I am confident that every citizen of Jammu Kashmir fulfilled their moral responsibility towards this Yatra, directly or indirectly, and elevated the rich cultural tradition of the UT before the entire country,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He added that the successful conduct of the pilgrimage had demonstrated the importance of sustained efforts, effective leadership and coordinated planning.
“The sacred Yatra of Baba Barfani has placed a clear inspiration before all stakeholders and the public that work is accomplished not by wishes alone, but by sustained effort. Through your own efforts, you have demonstrated that when resolve is collective, leadership is clear, arrangements are robust, and the spirit of service is paramount, no goal remains impossible,” Sinha said. ANB
