Srinagar, July 1: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Wednesday inspected the arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)- 2026 during an extensive visit of the Yatra Facilitation Centre at Nowgam Railway Station and the Yatra Transit Camp and Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk.
The Divisional Commissioner was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir, and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, during the visit to the respective yatra facilities.
During the visit, Garg inspected accommodation arrangements, separate sanitation facilities for men and women, drinking water supply, and the functioning of RFID and eKYC counters. On the occasion, he directed officials to install adequate signages to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims to various service and facilitation centres.
Addressing the media, the Divisional Commissioner said that the district administrations of Budgam and Srinagar have put in place comprehensive arrangements to welcome pilgrims and ensure the safe and comfortable stay of pilgrims. He informed that nearly four lakh pilgrims have registered online for this year's Yatra, registering an increase over the previous year.
He said the pilgrimage will be conducted from July 3 to August 28 and expressed optimism that the number of yatris would increase further in view of the significant tourist footfall witnessed in the Valley this year. To cater to the expected rush, he added that additional RFID and eKYC counters have been established at Nowgam Yatra Station and Srinagar Airport.
Garg said the Yatra will continue under the convoy system from Jammu with strict security protocols in place. He added that the cut-off timings for the convoys have already been publicised to ensure better awareness among pilgrims.
The Div Com further stated that priority in issuing RFID cards will be accorded to pilgrims who have completed online registration. However, on-the-spot registration counters have also been established at Pantha Chowk and at base camps along both pilgrimage routes. RFID cards for such pilgrims will be issued subject to the availability of the prescribed quota and accommodation capacity at the Yatra camps, he added.
Highlighting the challenging terrain along the pilgrimage routes, the Divisional Commissioner said that weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) will be displayed on digital screens at Pantha Chowk and base camps to keep pilgrims informed.
He also informed that mountain rescue teams, along with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other security agencies, have been deployed to respond to emergencies and provide timely assistance to pilgrims.
During the inspection, the Divisional Commissioner emphasised the importance of close coordination among all departments and agencies to ensure the smooth, safe, and successful conduct of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.