Srinagar, June 10: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess preparations for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and directed all departments to ensure the timely completion of arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.

Emphasizing that the safe, smooth and spiritually fulfilling conduct of the Yatra remains a top priority, the Lieutenant Governor called for a whole-of-government approach, seamless coordination and strict monitoring of all preparatory works.

The meeting reviewed progress on infrastructure development, healthcare facilities, sanitation, power and water supply, transport services, disaster management measures and other pilgrim-centric arrangements ahead of the Yatra, which is scheduled to commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28.

Addressing officials, LG Sinha described the annual pilgrimage as an important national event and stressed the need for proactive planning to facilitate the large number of devotees expected to participate this year.

“Our collective objective is to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for every devotee of Baba Barfani,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag, senior police officials and representatives of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board.

Officials informed the meeting that pilgrim registrations have received a strong response and that the number of devotees is expected to exceed recent years.

Reviewing work on the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, the Lieutenant Governor was informed that both tracks have been widened to approximately 12 feet to facilitate smoother movement of pilgrims. Remaining works are reportedly progressing as scheduled.

LG Sinha directed the concerned agencies, including the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), to ensure that both Yatra tracks are fully operational by June 25. He also instructed authorities to install crash barriers and hand railings at vulnerable stretches along the routes.

The meeting further reviewed arrangements related to road connectivity, sanitation, drinking water, electricity supply, registration management, healthcare services, transportation, lodging centres, holding areas and telecom connectivity.

The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to enhance holding capacities at key locations, increase the availability of toilets and ambulances, and ensure comprehensive disaster preparedness throughout the pilgrimage period.

Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag were instructed to conduct detailed inspections of the Yatra tracks, identify slippery and shooting-stone prone areas, and install adequate warning signages at vulnerable locations.

LG Sinha also directed that only authorized and quality-assured tents be established at designated camps and reiterated that all pilgrims and service providers must possess valid registration documents and RFID cards while undertaking the pilgrimage.

He further instructed authorities to properly fence pony stands, prepare emergency evacuation plans in advance and ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity along the Yatra route.

All concerned departments have been directed to establish their Yatra camps and operational centres by June 20 to facilitate the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, presented a detailed overview of the arrangements and progress made by various departments and agencies for the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.