Srinagar, June 25 (IANS) J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting at Pahalgam to review preparations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026), 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

sq/dan