Srinagar, Jul 09: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess arrangements put in place for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 and issued directions for further strengthening facilities and services to ensure 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 and SSPs of Anantnag and Ganderbal, Director Information, and other concerned officers.
Reviewing the progress of the Yatra, the Chief Secretary took note of 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 commencement.
The meeting held detailed deliberations on recommendations presented by CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, based on reports of various committees constituted to assess arrangements on the ground, focusing on identifying additional measures to make arrangements more robust, reliable, and responsive to pilgrim needs.
It was highlighted that recommendations include complete tiling of the pilgrimage track up to the Holy Cave Shrine to enhance safety, 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 comprehensively reviewed availability of essential public amenities across Yatra camps and holding areas, including adequate toilet and bathing facilities, uninterrupted drinking water supply, regular sanitation and cleanliness, scientific waste management, and efficient functioning of first-aid and medical facilities. The need for installation of additional digital display boards for dissemination of advisories, strengthening fire-fighting infrastructure, and enhancing disaster preparedness was also discussed.
Emphasising the need for continuous monitoring and timely corrective action, the Chief Secretary directed all line departments to constitute dedicated audit teams to undertake regular inspections of facilities and infrastructure along both Yatra routes and ensure immediate rectification of deficiencies. Stressing seamless coordination among all stakeholder departments and agencies, he called for prompt resolution of issues through effective inter-agency coordination, asserting that there should be no scope for delays, complacency, or lackadaisical approach.
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, along with Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal, apprised the meeting of overall conduct of the Yatra and arrangements made on the ground. The Chief Secretary reiterated that safety, security, and convenience of every pilgrim remain the highest priority of the administration.
