Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, reviewed preparations for the 2026 Amarnath Yatra, directing departments to expedite works and improve facilities for pilgrims.
February 14, Srinagar: To ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for pilgrims during SANJY-2026, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess arrangements at base camps along the route to the Holy Cave.
On the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner issued a series of instructions for advance preparations for the upcoming annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
The Divisional Commissioner emphasized the optimal use of funds already released to enhance facilities for pilgrims. He instructed departments to submit detailed action plans for SANJY-2026, to float tenders in advance, to complete works within stipulated timelines, and to prepare realistic and practical cost estimates.
Highlighting the role of the Tourism Department as the nodal agency for SANJY, he directed it to ensure accountability among relevant departments.
To facilitate the registration of pilgrims, the Divisional Commissioner instructed concerned authorities to increase staff deployment at RFID registration counters. He further directed the Animal Husbandry and Labour Departments to work in coordination for the tagging of service providers and ponies with RFID.
BEACON was instructed to install crash barriers along the Pahalgam–Chandanwari stretch and the Baltal route, and to construct shelter sheds for security forces along the designated axes.
During the meeting, he also reviewed the operationalization of control rooms, including the ICCC, and the circulation of mitigation plans among agencies.
He also instructed for the capacity augmentation of camps and the installation of headcount cameras at designated parking areas.
To ensure seamless movement of SRTC buses during SANJY-2026, Police authorities were directed to facilitate the smooth circulation of buses after the departure of pilgrims.
The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the progress of works undertaken by the R&B, PHE, and KPDCL, emphasizing adherence to timelines. He also reviewed arrangements for the supply of essential items, including ration and firewood, to the yatra camps.
During the meeting, special focus was laid on sanitation along the camps and routes, the deployment of fire tenders at strategic locations, the installation of signage and display screens, and the expansion of telecom coverage in underserved areas by communication agencies.
The meeting underscored the administration's commitment to advance planning, inter-departmental coordination, and the augmentation of services to ensure a safe, efficient, and well-managed pilgrimage during SANJY-2026.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner SMC; Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Bandipora; concerned SSPs, Additional Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag, Srinagar, and Budgam; and officers from FCS&CA, SRTC, Tourism, ULB, RDD, Rural Sanitation, Information, KPDCL, R&B, PHE, NHIDCL, NHAI, Labour, Animal Husbandry, as well as representatives from Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and G-Max.
