JAMMU, Apr 16: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), attended by senior officers from the civil administration and police, to review preparations for the smooth, safe, and successful conduct of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra (SANJY)-2026, scheduled to begin on July 3, 2026.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary conducted a detailed assessment of preparedness across all sectors, with special focus on ensuring safe and efficient movement of pilgrims along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and the two main routes to the holy cave via Baltal and Chandanwari. Given the expected rise in pilgrim numbers this year, he directed all departments to strengthen infrastructure and services accordingly.
Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Executive Officer of SASB, presented a detailed briefing covering key arrangements for SANJY-2026, including registration, service providers, yatra camps, langar facilities, and essential services.
It was informed that registration for the Yatra began on April 15, 2026, through both online and offline modes, with 19,402 pilgrims registering on the first day itself. The Pratham Puja is scheduled for June 29, 2026.
The Chief Secretary directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to ensure timely snow clearance on all Yatra routes by May 15, 2026. He also stressed road maintenance, installation of signages and crash barriers, slope stabilisation, bridge repairs, and restoration of shelter sheds along the tracks.
The Public Works Department (PWD) was instructed to complete macadamisation around base camps and repair helipads at Neelgrath, Baltal, and Pahalgam.
The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) was asked to identify flood- and disaster-prone areas to avoid setting up facilities in vulnerable zones. It was also directed to clear debris from nallahs near the holy cave and operationalise the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Srinagar by June 10, 2026.
The Rural Sanitation Department was instructed to maintain high sanitation standards before, during, and after the Yatra, especially along both routes during the 57-day pilgrimage. Urban Local Bodies and Development Authorities at Pahalgam and Sonamarg were asked to implement proper waste management systems.
The Labour Department and Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department, in coordination with district administrations, were directed to ensure registration of all service providers and ponies in Anantnag and Ganderbal districts. Deputy Commissioners were instructed to introduce a digital prepaid system and notify fixed service rates for pilgrims.
The Jal Shakti Department and Power Development Department were tasked with ensuring adequate drinking water supply and uninterrupted electricity, including pipelines, cables, RO systems, backup generators, and illumination of routes and camps.
The Health Department was directed to operationalise 100-bed hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal by June 20, 2026, along with deployment of sufficient medical staff and critical care ambulances across all routes and base camps.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will provide Doppler-based weather forecasting and install LED display systems at base camps for real-time updates. Telecom operators have been asked to ensure strong mobile and internet connectivity along the Yatra routes by May 15, 2026.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department was instructed to ensure adequate availability of essential commodities such as ration, LPG, and kerosene throughout the Yatra period.
The Information Department was directed to install public address systems, hoardings, and banners at key locations to keep pilgrims informed.
The Fire and Emergency Services Department was instructed to deploy firefighting equipment at all camps, lodgement centres, langar sites, and commercial areas, along with conducting fire safety audits and training service providers to act as first responders.
The Chief Secretary emphasized coordinated efforts among all departments and directed officials to complete all arrangements well in advance, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling experience for pilgrims during SANJY-2026. (Agency)
