Directs foolproof security, seamless arrangements; inspects Nunwan base camp
Srinagar, Jun 25: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting at Pahalgam to review preparations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, starting from July 3, and directed all departments to ensure seamless arrangements, foolproof security, and a memorable experience for the pilgrims. He asked for a comprehensive security and disaster management plan with a zero-tolerance policy for operational lapses.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services and Sports and Nodal Officer for Pahalgam Axis Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, IGP Traffic J&K M. Suleman Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, SSP Anantnag Amod Nagpure Ashok, 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, road connectivity, RFID cards, track maintenance and widening works, footbridge construction, langar setup, holding areas, traffic management, and security arrangements.
He said that management of the Yatra requires a comprehensive, hybrid planning approach, stating: “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 utilised to identify and clear choke points, while robust traffic management plans and designated parking zones must be enforced.”
Sinha instructed all concerned departments and agencies to ensure synergy and close coordination for timely completion of works, directed the BRO to complete all allotted works before the Yatra, and emphasised that transit camps and halt points must have trained manpower, along with reliable water and power supplies.
LG Visits Nunwan Base Camp
Later, the Lieutenant Governor visited the Nunwan base camp with senior officials and reviewed on-ground arrangements, conducting a detailed inspection of accommodation blocks and other infrastructure. He directed concerned officers to expedite pending works at remaining blocks, calling for timely completion without compromising on high-quality standards, pilgrim safety, comfort, and convenience.
Speaking to media persons, the Lieutenant Governor said: “The Jammu Kashmir Administration, Police, Security Forces, Government of India, and the Shrine Board have finalised all preparations to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching experience for the devotees of Baba Amarnath. Local residents and all stakeholders are eager to welcome pilgrims arriving from across the nation.”
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag briefed the meeting on overall preparations, while SSP Anantnag delivered a detailed presentation on the multi-layered security framework in place. The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to conduct regular work monitoring and on-ground inspections to resolve gaps immediately. He was accompanied by senior officers during the base camp inspection.
