Srinagar, Jul 09: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the arrangements put in place for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 and issued directions for further strengthening the facilities and services being provided to the pilgrims to ensure the safe, smooth and hassle-free conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Civil Administration, Shrine Board, and security establishment, including Administrative Secretaries, senior officers of Police, CAPFs, BRO/BEACON, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners/SSPs of Anantnag and Ganderbal; Director Information; besides other concerned officers.
Reviewing the progress of the Yatra, the Chief Secretary took note of the extensive arrangements made and their further augmentation in view of the unprecedented response from pilgrims this year. It was informed that the pilgrimage has witnessed an overwhelming turnout since the commencement of yatra this year.
The meeting held detailed deliberations on the recommendations presented by the Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari based on the reports of various committees constituted to assess the status of arrangements on the ground. The discussions focused on identifying additional measures required to make the arrangements more robust, reliable and responsive to the needs of the pilgrims.
The meeting reviewed the status of infrastructure and facilities at Yatra camps, langars and along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. It was highlighted that the recommendations include complete tiling of the pilgrimage track up to the Holy Cave Shrine to enhance the safety of pilgrims, widening of narrow stretches of the track and bridges at vulnerable locations to prevent overcrowding, construction of retaining walls in landslide-prone areas, augmentation of rain shelters and waiting sheds, installation of iron barricades for effective queue management, and ensuring adequate availability of palkis and stretchers for prompt evacuation during medical emergencies.
The meeting also comprehensively reviewed the availability of essential public amenities across the Yatra camps and holding areas. These included adequate toilet and bathing facilities, uninterrupted drinking water supply, regular sanitation and cleanliness of camps, scientific waste management, and efficient functioning of first-aid and medical facilities.
Moreover the need for installation of additional digital display boards for dissemination of advisories, strengthening fire fighting infrastructure, and enhancing disaster preparedness through adequate mitigation equipment and emergency response mechanisms was also discussed.
During the meeting concerned heads of the departments presented updates regarding the facilities created by their respective departments and informed the meeting about the progress achieved in implementing the recommendations made by the committees.
The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, along with the Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal, apprised the meeting of the overall conduct of the Yatra and the arrangements made on the ground.
Emphasising the need for continuous monitoring and timely corrective action, the Chief Secretary directed all the line departments to constitute dedicated audit teams to undertake regular inspections of facilities and infrastructure along both the Yatra routes. He instructed these teams to identify any deficiencies or implementation gaps and ensure their immediate rectification.
Stressing the importance of seamless coordination among all stakeholder departments and agencies, the Chief Secretary called for prompt resolution of issues through effective inter-agency coordination. He asserted that there should be no scope for delays, complacency or lackadaisical approach in the discharge of responsibilities, reiterating that the safety, security and convenience of every pilgrim remain the highest priority of the administration.
