“57-Day Yatra to begin from July 3, end on Aug 28”
Jammu : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Thursday chaired a high-level meeting of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), attended by senior officers from the Civil Administration and Police department to review the comprehensive arrangements being made for the smooth, safe, and successful conduct of Amarnath Yatra , scheduled to commence on July 3, 2026.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary thoroughly reviewed preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, focusing on the safe movement of pilgrims along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the main routes to the holy cave via Baltal and Chandanwari. With an expected increase in pilgrim numbers this year, he instructed relevant departments to enhance infrastructure and services accordingly. Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of SASB, presented key details about SANJY-2026, including registration processes, service provider arrangements, and the establishment of Yatra camps. Registration for the Yatra began on April 15, 2026, with over 19,000 pilgrims registering on the first day. The Pratham Puja is scheduled for June 29, 2026. The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for timely snow clearance on Yatra tracks by May 15, 2026, and highlighted the importance of road maintenance, installation of safety features, and restoration of shelter sheds along the routes. The Public Works Department was tasked with completing road macadamization and repairing helipads at key locations. The Department of Disaster Management was directed to identify flood-prone areas to prevent facility installations in vulnerable zones and to ensure early debris clearance near the holy cave. The Department of Rural Sanitation was instructed to maintain high sanitation standards throughout the pilgrimage, while Urban Local Bodies were to implement effective waste disposal systems. Coordination among the Labour Department, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department, and district administrations was mandated to register service providers and ponies, along with implementing a digital prepaid system for standardized service rates. The Jal Shakti and Power Development Departments were responsible for ensuring adequate water supply and uninterrupted power, including the installation of RO filters and backup generators. The Health Department was tasked with establishing 100-bedded hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal by June 20, 2026, and ensuring adequate medical staffing and ambulance services. The India Meteorological Department will provide weather forecasts and real-time updates at base camps, while telecom providers must ensure robust connectivity along the routes. The Food & Civil Supplies Department will increase the availability of essential commodities during the Yatra. The Information Department was instructed to set up public address systems and signage to facilitate communication with pilgrims. Additionally, the Fire & Emergency Services Department will deploy firefighting equipment and conduct safety audits in advance. The Chief Secretary underscored the necessity of coordinated efforts among all departments to ensure a safe, comfortable, and spiritually fulfilling experience for pilgrims, aiming for the successful execution of the Amarnath Yatra.
