Reviews preparations in Pahalgam, says admin, security agencies, local stakeholders fully geared up
Pahalgam, Jun 25: Ahead of the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting at Pahalgam, base camp for pilgrimage, to assess the preparedness and arrangements put in place for the smooth conduct of the annual yatra slated to commence on July 3.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the Lieutenant Governor reviewed security and logistical arrangements and took stock of facilities being established for the thousands of devotees expected to undertake the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine.
LG Sinha also visited the Nunwan Base Camp, where he inspected on-ground preparations and directed all concerned departments to ensure seamless arrangements, foolproof security and a comfortable experience for pilgrims.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, LG Sinha said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration, security forces and various government agencies have been working in close coordination to make the pilgrimage safe, secure and hassle-free for devotees arriving from different parts of the country.
“We reviewed all arrangements related to security, accommodation, healthcare, sanitation, transportation, communication facilities, power and water supply, and other essential services. I am satisfied with the preparations made so far. Extensive measures have been taken to facilitate the smooth movement and stay of pilgrims,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that all departments and agencies are functioning in a coordinated manner to ensure efficient management of every aspect of the Yatra. He said special focus has been laid on security, emergency response systems, medical assistance and public convenience facilities to ensure the well-being of pilgrims throughout their journey.
LG Sinha assured devotees that comprehensive arrangements have been made and urged them to undertake the pilgrimage with confidence. “The administration and security agencies have put all necessary mechanisms in place to ensure a safe and secure Yatra. Every effort is being made to provide pilgrims with a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience,” he said.
Highlighting the role of local residents, the Lieutenant Governor said the people of Kashmir have always been known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors. He added that local communities are fully prepared to welcome the pilgrims and would extend wholehearted support during the annual religious event.
“The people of Kashmir are ready to receive devotees with open arms and contribute towards making their journey memorable. Their cooperation and hospitality have always been an integral part of the Yatra’s success,” he said.
During the review meeting, senior officials briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the status of various developmental and logistical works being carried out ahead of the pilgrimage. They informed him that preparations are progressing as per schedule and that all departments remain committed to ensuring seamless arrangements along the Yatra route.
The 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28 amid enhanced security measures and elaborate arrangements for pilgrims. Officials expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of the administration, security agencies and local stakeholders would ensure the successful conduct of this year’s pilgrimage.
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; Shri 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.
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.
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,” the Lieutenant Governor directed the officials.
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.
Additionally, 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.
VISITS NUNWAN BASE CAMP, REVIEWS ON-GROUND ARRANGEMENTS
LG Sinha also visited the Nunwan base camp with senior officials and reviewed the on-ground arrangements for Amarnath Yatra-2026.
The Lieutenant Governor conducted a detailed inspection and took stock of all amenities in place to ensure a smooth, comfortable, and welcoming experience for the devotees of Baba Barfani.
The Lieutenant Governor inspected the accommodation blocks, and other infrastructure at the camp. He directed the concerned officers to expedite pending works at a few remaining blocks, emphasizing that timely completion must be achieved without compromising on high quality standards, pilgrim safety, comfort and convenience.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by the senior officials of the Police and civil administration. (KNO)
