Srinagar: Intensifying preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday visited Baltal Base Camp in Ganderbal district, where he chaired a high-level review meeting, launched an extensive cleanliness and environmental campaign, and inspected pilgrim-centric facilities to assess readiness ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
The Lieutenant Governor directed all stakeholder departments to ensure that every aspect of the Yatra is managed efficiently so that devotees undertaking the sacred journey are welcomed in a safe, comfortable and well-organised environment.
Chairing the review meeting with senior officers from the civil administration, police, security agencies and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, the Lieutenant Governor conducted a comprehensive assessment of infrastructure, security arrangements and essential services being put in place for the pilgrimage.
Addressing officials, he said his foremost priority is that every pilgrim should be able to undertake the spiritual journey smoothly and return with a meaningful and fulfilling experience.
“My priority is that every pilgrim can enjoy the spiritual journey and leave with a truly enriching and fulfilling experience. The sacred Yatra is a moment of faith and shared joy. I want the arrangements to reflect that spirit, ensuring that Teerth Yatris are well cared for,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The review covered sanitation management, evacuation plans, weather forecasting systems, holding areas for pilgrims, parking facilities, langar operations, transport arrangements, healthcare services, drinking water and electricity supply, stocking of essential commodities, road maintenance, flood mitigation strategies, disaster preparedness, animal husbandry services, registration facilities and overall infrastructure.
Emphasising security preparedness, the Lieutenant Governor instructed police and allied security agencies to maintain the highest level of vigilance and strengthen coordination mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims throughout the Yatra.
Highlighting efficient crowd and pilgrim management, he directed concerned departments to increase the number of on-the-spot registration counters to facilitate faster registration and reduce waiting time for devotees.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal presented a detailed status report on preparations being undertaken by various line departments, while Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the security architecture, including deployment plans, surveillance systems, area domination, access control, traffic management and emergency response mechanisms.
Later, the Lieutenant Governor launched the Directorate of Rural Sanitation’s flagship “Shubham–Shivam” campaign at Baltal Base Camp, describing it as a major initiative towards making Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra sustainable, clean and zero-landfill.
As part of the launch, he unveiled a series of eco-interventions, including a new website, pilgrimage anthem, official logo and mascot designed to strengthen environmental consciousness during the Yatra.
Calling sanitation workers and volunteers the backbone of the initiative, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated the contribution of Karmyogi volunteers and sanitation teams for preserving the sanctity and environment of the pilgrimage.
“The true backbone of this initiative is our incredible sanitation team. Their dedication will help maintain cleanliness across the base camp and pilgrimage routes and transform our vision of a zero-waste Yatra into reality,” he said.
He said the campaign sends a strong message that environmental conservation and protection of natural resources are a shared responsibility of every pilgrim, langar operator and service provider associated with the Yatra.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted several eco-friendly initiatives introduced under the campaign, including the “Trayambakam” mobile application that allows pilgrims to upload photographs of waste or litter for immediate action.
He also praised circular economy measures such as the “Swaha” utensil bank, where steel utensils will replace disposable items through a refundable deposit system, and the “Amarnath Seva Cafe”, which encourages pilgrims to exchange collected plastic waste for refreshments as part of a participatory cleanliness drive.
Further strengthening environmental safeguards, the administration announced a regulatory framework mandating four-way waste segregation, a complete ban on single-use plastic and sanitation standards for every langar and camp.
The Lieutenant Governor said the campaign’s official logo symbolises collective responsibility towards preserving the sacred landscape, while the pilgrimage anthem “Swachhta Dharma Hamara” aims to reinforce the message of cleanliness and environmental stewardship.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor also inspected pilgrim-centric facilities at Baltal Base Camp and reviewed arrangements related to accommodation, sanitation and public services.
He visited the Base Camp Hospital and assessed healthcare infrastructure including wards, laboratories, emergency facilities and patient care systems.
Interacting with doctors, paramedical staff and healthcare workers, he appreciated their commitment and directed authorities to ensure uninterrupted availability of quality healthcare services, adequate medicines, emergency equipment and specialist medical support throughout the Yatra period.
Speaking to media persons after the inspection, the Lieutenant Governor said preparations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra had been underway for several months through coordinated efforts of the Shrine Board, administration, Government of India and all concerned departments.
“Comprehensive security and other arrangements are in place. I am hopeful this year’s Yatra will surpass the success of previous years,” he said.
The review meeting, campaign launch and inspection programme were attended by senior officials including Member Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board K.N. Rai, DGP J&K Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, MD JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for Baltal Axis Rahul Yadav, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore and other officers from civil administration, police and security agencies.
