Srinagar, June 25: The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday in Pahalgam to review preparations for the Shri Amarnath Yatra (Sanjay-2026). This annual pilgrimage is set to commence on July 3.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Principal Secretary and the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Mandeep K. Bhandari. Other attendees included Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary of the Youth Services and Sports Department and Nodal Officer for the Pahalgam area, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, and senior officials from the information, police, and security forces.
During the meeting, Sinha reviewed various logistical aspects such as accommodation, health facilities, sanitation, power and water supply, public amenities, road connectivity, RFID cards, a joint control room, track maintenance, footbridge construction, langar arrangements, waiting areas, traffic management, and security measures.
He directed the departments to ensure smooth arrangements, robust security, and a memorable experience for the pilgrims. Emphasizing disaster management, he highlighted the need for campaigns to mitigate risks associated with high altitudes, adverse weather, and crowding.
Sinha called for weather-based evacuation protocols, deployment of Mountain Response Teams (MRT), thorough inspections of transit tents and fire safety equipment, real-time crowd analysis, and enhanced traffic management.
He also instructed for better coordination among departments, timely completion of tasks, and regular inspections. The importance of reliable water and electricity supply at transit camps and waypoints was also stressed.
The Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag provided updates on preparations, while the SSP of Anantnag presented a multi-layered security framework.
Speaking to the media, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the Jammu and Kashmir administration, police, security forces, the Government of India, and the Shrine Board have completed all necessary preparations to ensure a safe and spiritual experience for the devotees of Baba Amarnath. Local residents and stakeholders are eager to welcome pilgrims from across the country.
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