Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Reviews Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Arrangements, Orders Comprehensive Audit of Facilities Along Both Routes
Directs Line Departments to Strengthen Infrastructure, Ensure Seamless Coordination and Provide Safe, Hassle-Free Pilgrimage to Devotees
Srinagar, July 9 (KNC): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 and directed all concerned departments to further strengthen facilities and services to ensure the safe, smooth and hassle-free conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
According to the Kashmir News Correspondent (KNC), the meeting was attended by senior officers of the Civil Administration, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), BRO/BEACON, Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners and SSPs of Anantnag and Ganderbal districts, Director Information and other senior officials associated with the Yatra.
Reviewing the progress of the pilgrimage, the Chief Secretary took stock of the extensive arrangements already put in place and discussed further augmentation of facilities in view of the unprecedented response from pilgrims this year. Officials informed the meeting that the Yatra has witnessed an overwhelming turnout since its commencement.
The meeting held detailed deliberations on recommendations presented by Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, which were based on reports submitted by various committees constituted to inspect the ground arrangements. Discussions focused on identifying additional measures to make the infrastructure and services more robust, reliable and responsive to the needs of the pilgrims.
During the meeting, the status of infrastructure and public facilities at Yatra camps, langars and along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes was reviewed in detail. The recommendations included complete tiling of the pilgrimage track up to the Holy Cave Shrine to improve safety, widening of narrow stretches and bridges at vulnerable locations to prevent overcrowding, construction of retaining walls in landslide-prone areas, expansion 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 reviewed the availability of essential public amenities, including adequate toilets and bathing facilities, uninterrupted drinking water supply, sanitation and cleanliness, scientific waste management, and efficient first-aid and medical services across all Yatra camps and holding areas.
Officials further discussed the installation of additional digital display boards for timely dissemination of advisories, strengthening firefighting infrastructure and enhancing disaster preparedness through improved emergency response systems and mitigation equipment.
Heads of various departments presented updates on the facilities created by their respective departments and informed the meeting about the progress made in implementing recommendations submitted by the inspection committees.
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, along with the Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal, briefed the Chief Secretary on the overall conduct of the Yatra and the arrangements made on the ground to facilitate pilgrims.
Emphasising continuous monitoring and timely corrective action, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directed all line departments to constitute dedicated audit teams for regular inspection of facilities and infrastructure along both Yatra routes. He instructed the teams to identify deficiencies or implementation gaps and ensure their immediate rectification.
Stressing seamless coordination among all stakeholder departments and agencies, the Chief Secretary called for prompt resolution of issues through effective inter-departmental cooperation. He made it clear that there should be no scope for delays, complacency or negligence in the discharge of duties, reiterating that the safety, security and convenience of every pilgrim remain the highest priority of the Jammu and Kashmir administration. (KNC)
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