Srinagar, February 14 Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg reviewed the arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra on Saturday, and emphasized the administration's commitment to advance planning, inter-departmental coordination, and the augmentation of services to ensure a safe and well-managed pilgrimage.
To ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for pilgrims during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY), the DC chaired a comprehensive review meeting to review arrangements at base camps along the route to the Holy Cave, an official spokesperson said.
He said the DC issued a series of instructions for advance preparations for the upcoming annual pilgrimage.
The DC emphasized the optimal use of already released funds to enhance facilities for pilgrims, the spokesperson said.
He said Garg instructed departments to submit detailed action plans for SANJY-2026, float tenders in advance, complete works within stipulated timelines, and prepare realistic and practical cost estimates.
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.
Highlighting the role of the tourism department as the nodal agency for the SANJY, the divisional commissioner directed it to ensure accountability among stakeholder departments, the spokesman said.
To facilitate the registration of pilgrims, DC Garg instructed concerned authorities to increase staff deployment at RFID registration counters.
Garg directed the Animal Husbandry and Labour Departments to work in coordination for the RFID tagging of service providers and ponies.
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 axes, the spokesperson said.
He said during the meeting, Garg also reviewed the operationalization of control rooms, including ICCC, and the circulation of mitigation plans among agencies.
The DC 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 deboarding of pilgrims.
Garg also reviewed the progress of works undertaken by R&B, PHE, and KPDCL, and emphasized adherence to timelines. He also reviewed arrangements for the supply of essential items, including ration and firewood, to the yatra camps.
Special focus was laid on sanitation along the camps and routes, the stationing of fire tenders at strategic locations, the installation of signages and display screens, and the expansion of telecom coverage in underserved areas by communication agencies, the spokesman added.
