SRINAGAR, Jun 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparedness for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and directed all departments to ensure timely completion of arrangements related to infrastructure, healthcare, sanitation, connectivity and other pilgrim-centric services.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
“Our collective goal is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for every devotee of Baba Barfani,” the Lieutenant Governor said while chairing the meeting.
The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, officials of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), police, security agencies and other concerned departments.
Emphasising seamless coordination, proactive planning and strict monitoring, Sinha described the annual pilgrimage as a national event and called upon all stakeholders to work with dedication while maintaining the highest standards of efficiency and safety.
During the meeting, officials informed the Lieutenant Governor that registration of pilgrims was progressing at a brisk pace and that the number of devotees undertaking the pilgrimage this year is expected to be higher than in recent years.
Sinha stressed the need for a whole-of-government approach and close coordination among departments and agencies to ensure smooth conduct of the Yatra.
Reviewing infrastructure works, he was informed that the pilgrimage tracks along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes have been widened to approximately 12 feet to facilitate easier movement of pilgrims and that the remaining works are progressing as per schedule.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to ensure that both routes are fully operational by June 25. He also instructed that crash barriers and hand railings be installed at all vulnerable stretches on roads leading to the base camps.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements relating to road connectivity, sanitation, drinking water, power supply, registration management, healthcare facilities, transportation, disaster management, lodging centres, holding areas and telecom services.
Sinha directed the authorities to enhance holding capacities at key locations, increase the number of toilets and ambulances, and strengthen disaster preparedness mechanisms along the pilgrimage routes.
Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were asked to undertake comprehensive inspections of the tracks, identify slippery stretches and shooting-stone zones, and ensure the installation of adequate warning signboards at vulnerable locations.
The Lieutenant Governor further directed that only high-quality and aesthetically designed tents be permitted at various camps and instructed officials to prevent the establishment of any unauthorised tents.
He also ordered that all service providers and pilgrims must possess valid registration documents and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards while travelling on the Yatra routes.
To improve safety and crowd management, Sinha directed proper fencing of pony stands and preparation of a comprehensive emergency evacuation plan well in advance of the pilgrimage.
Telecom service providers were also instructed to ensure uninterrupted communication facilities along the entire Yatra route.
The Lieutenant Governor directed all concerned departments to establish their respective Yatra camps and operational centres by June 20 to facilitate timely completion of preparations.
Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, presented a detailed overview of the arrangements and works being carried out by various departments and agencies for the smooth and successful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
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