GANDERBAL, JUNE 15: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg today visited Baltal and conducted an extensive inspection of the arrangements being put in place for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026.
During the visit, he reviewed the progress of various developmental and preparatory works aimed at ensuring a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience for devotees.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Sudhanshu Dhama and officers of various departments, Garg inspected the Yatri Niwas, RFID registration counters, dormitory facilities, facilities in Baltal base camp as well as the pony stand. He took stock of the facilities being put in place for pilgrims and interacted with officers and field functionaries regarding the status of ongoing works.
During the inspection, the Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned departments to ensure timely installation of signages, information boards and public awareness banners at all key locations to facilitate better guidance and accessibility for pilgrims.
He also emphasized proper sanitation management, queue regulation, traffic arrangements and availability of essential services across the Yatra route.
Later, he chaired a high-level review meeting at Baltal to assess the preparedness of all stakeholder departments for the annual pilgrimage.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, gave a detailed presentation on the overall preparedness for the Yatra and briefed the meeting about infrastructure development, accommodation facilities, registration arrangements, disaster management preparedness and departmental works across various departments.
Reviewing the arrangements department-wise, the Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned agencies to complete the remaining works by June 20th and ensure full operational readiness before commencement of the Yatra. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among departments and directed that officers remain available round the clock for prompt response and coordination.
The Health Department informed that medical aid centres along the track would be made fully functional by June 28, while oxygen booths would be established by June 25. The department also apprised that advance medical teams have already been deployed and adequate emergency response arrangements have been put in place.
The Divisional Commissioner reviewed the status of sanitation, water supply, power supply, telecommunication facilities, disaster management, transportation and fire safety arrangements. He directed the Rural Development Department to maintain sanitation in toilet facilities, while Jal Shakti and KPDCL were instructed to ensure uninterrupted water and power supply with adequate backup arrangements.
The meeting was informed that registration of service providers is underway and identity cards shall be issued within the stipulated timeline. Telecom agencies reported that communication infrastructure has been established and are operational.
The meeting was attended by officers from Sonamarg Development Authority, Rural Development, Health, Jal Shakti, KPDCL, Forest, Tourism, Fire & Emergency Services, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Disaster Management, Police, BRO, BSNL, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and other concerned departments.
