Srinagar, June 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting at Pahalgam and reviewed the preparations for the Amarnath Yatra-2026, starting from July 3.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department and Nodal Officer for Pahalgam Axis; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic J&K; Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag; Amod Nagpure Ashok, SSP Anantnag and senior officers of civil administration, police and security forces.
The Lieutenant Governor held a comprehensive review of all key sectors, including logistics, lodging, healthcare facilities, sanitation, power and water supply, availability of civic amenities, road connectivity, RFID cards, functioning on joint control rooms, track maintenance and widening works, construction of footbridges, setting up of langars, creation of holding areas, traffic management and security arrangements.
He directed all departments to ensure seamless arrangements, foolproof security and a memorable experience for the pilgrims.
He emphasized comprehensive security and disaster management planning for the smooth and safe conduct of the holy pilgrimage.
“Management of the Yatra requires a comprehensive, hybrid planning approach with an absolute zero-tolerance policy for operational lapses. Operations must aggressively mitigate the risks associated with high altitudes, harsh weather, and extreme crowd density. To ensure safety, weather-based evacuation protocols must be established alongside the strategic deployment of Mountain Response Teams (MRTs) at critical intervals. Furthermore, all transit tents must pass rigorous quality inspections and be equipped with functional fire extinguishers,” Sinha said.
He said on the tracks, real-time crowd analysis must be utilized to identify and clear choke points, while robust traffic management plans and designated parking zones must be enforced to prevent congestion and guarantee the uninterrupted transportation of essential supplies.
He instructed all concerned departments and agencies to ensure synergy and close coordination for timely completion of works and better delivery of services.
He directed the BRO to complete all the allotted works before the Yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to conduct regular work monitoring and on-ground inspections to resolve gaps immediately.
He emphasized that transit camps and halt points must have trained manpower, along with reliable water and power supplies, to ensure the convenience of both pilgrims and service providers.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag briefed the meeting on the overall preparations being made for the smooth and hassle-free conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Anantnag, delivered a detailed presentation on the multi-layered security framework and the comprehensive measures in place to ensure pilgrim safety along the entire route.
Speaking to the media persons, the Lieutenant Governor said: “The administration, Police, Security Forces, Government of India, and the Shrine Board have finalized all preparations to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching experience for the devotees. Local residents and all stakeholders are eager to welcome pilgrims arriving from across the nation.”