J&K L-G chairs SANJY-2026 security review meeting at Pahalgam
Srinagar, June 25
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting at Pahalgam to review preparations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3.
The meeting was attended by Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the L-G and CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports Department and Nodal Officer for Pahalgam Axis; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic J&K; Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag; Amod Nagpure Ashok, SSP Anantnag, and senior officers of civil administration, police and security forces.
The L-G reviewed logistics, lodging, healthcare facilities, sanitation, power and water supply, civic amenities, road connectivity, RFID cards, joint control rooms, track maintenance, footbridge construction, langar setups, holding areas, traffic management and security arrangements.
He directed departments to ensure seamless arrangements, foolproof security and a memorable experience for pilgrims. Stressing disaster management, he said operations must mitigate risks associated with high altitude, harsh weather, and crowd density.
He called for weather-based evacuation protocols, the deployment of Mountain Response Teams (MRTs), rigorous inspection of transit tents and fire safety equipment, real-time crowd analysis, and robust traffic management.
Sinha instructed synergy among departments, timely completion of works and regular inspections. He emphasised reliable water and power supplies at transit camps and halt points, along with trained manpower.
Deputy Commissioner Anantnag briefed on preparations, while SSP Anantnag presented the multi-layered security framework.
Speaking to the media, the L-G said: "The Jammu Kashmir Administration, Police, Security Forces, Government of India and the Shrine Board have finalised all preparations to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching experience for devotees of Baba Amarnath. Local residents and stakeholders are eager to welcome pilgrims arriving from across the nation."
— IANS
Reader Comments
🙏 Baba Amarnath bless everyone! L-G Sinha ji is doing good work on security and disaster management. MRTs and weather protocols are much needed in high altitude.
Pahalgam axis is very scenic but has some narrow stretches. Hope they fix road connectivity properly. Also langar setups should be at regular intervals. Jai Baba Amarnath!
Real-time crowd analysis is actually very important. In 2019 there were delays due to overcrowding at some points. Hope RFID cards work smoothly this time.
Nice to see multi-layered security but need to ensure pilgrims don't face too much hassle. Local shopkeepers and dhaba owners also depend on this yatra. Hope everything goes well.
Solid planning by the administration. The focus on disaster management and MRT deployment shows they are learning from past incidents. Fire safety at transit tents is a very good point.
All these meetings are fine but ground reality is different. Last year some pilgrims complained about lack of proper toilets and drinking water at Panjtarni. 🤔 Need more focus on basics.
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