Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday directed all departments and agencies involved in the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra to ensure the timely completion of infrastructure and pilgrim-related arrangements, with a special focus on safety, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity and disaster preparedness ahead of the annual pilgrimage beginning on July 3.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor stressed that all stakeholders must work in close coordination to provide a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience to devotees undertaking the pilgrimage, which will conclude on August 28.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani,” Sinha said.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, officials of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and representatives of various departments and agencies.
Reviewing preparations, the Lieutenant Governor was informed that registration of pilgrims is witnessing a strong response and that the number of yatris this year is expected to exceed recent editions of the pilgrimage.
Emphasising a whole-of-government approach, Sinha directed departments to maintain the highest standards of efficiency, safety and service delivery. He said seamless coordination, proactive planning and continuous monitoring would be essential for the successful conduct of the Yatra, describing it as a national event of immense significance.
Officials informed the meeting that the tracks on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes have been widened to around 12 feet to facilitate smoother movement of pilgrims. The Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to ensure that both routes are fully functional by June 25.
He also instructed authorities to install crash barriers and hand railings at all vulnerable locations on roads leading to the two base camps and ordered deputy commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag districts to carry out detailed inspections of the routes. They were asked to identify slippery stretches and shooting-stone prone areas and ensure adequate warning signboards are installed at vulnerable spots.
The Lieutenant Governor reviewed arrangements related to road connectivity, power and water supply, sanitation, healthcare facilities, transportation, registration management, telecommunications and disaster response mechanisms. He directed authorities to increase the number of toilets and ambulances, enhance holding capacity at key locations and strengthen emergency preparedness measures.
Sinha further instructed that only high-quality and aesthetically designed tents should be pitched at Yatra camps and warned against allowing any unauthorised structures. He also directed that all pilgrims and service providers must possess valid registration documents and RFID cards while travelling on the Yatra routes.
To improve safety and crowd management, authorities were directed to properly fence pony stands and prepare a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan well in advance of the pilgrimage. Telecom service providers were also asked to ensure uninterrupted mobile and communication connectivity throughout the Yatra route.
The Lieutenant Governor directed all concerned departments to establish their respective Yatra camps and service centres by June 20 to ensure adequate time for final checks before the commencement of the pilgrimage.
Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, presented a detailed review of the works undertaken by various departments and agencies for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
