Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Sunday conducted a comprehensive on-site assessment of preparations underway along the Baltal axis for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, directing all departments to complete remaining infrastructure and logistical works by June 20 to ensure full operational readiness well before the pilgrimage commences.
Garg visited Yatri Niwas, RFID registration counters, dormitory blocks, base camp facilities and the pony stand at Baltal, conducting a detailed inspection of each component of the Yatra infrastructure. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore, Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama, and officers from multiple departments responsible for pilgrimage management.
During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner directed departments to ensure the timely installation of signages, information boards and public awareness material at key locations along the route, which he stressed are essential for guiding the large volume of pilgrims expected to undertake the Yatra this season. He also reviewed sanitation management systems, queue regulation mechanisms, traffic arrangements and the continuous availability of essential services.
Later, Garg chaired a high-level inter-departmental review meeting at Baltal at which the Deputy Commissioner presented a detailed briefing covering infrastructure development, accommodation facilities, registration systems, disaster management preparedness, and departmental logistics. The Divisional Commissioner conducted a department-by-department review, setting specific deadlines and directing officers to remain available round the clock during the Yatra period to enable coordinated decision-making.
The Health Department briefed the meeting that medical aid centres along the route will be fully functional by June 28, while oxygen booths will be operational by June 25. Advance medical teams have already been deployed and emergency response systems are in place.
Telecom agencies confirmed that communication infrastructure has been established and is operational across the Yatra corridor. Registration of service providers is in progress and identity cards will be issued within stipulated timelines. Departments covering Jal Shakti, Power Development, Rural Development, Forest, Tourism, Fire and Emergency Services, Food Civil Supplies, Transport, Disaster Management, Border Roads Organisation, BSNL, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and the Sonamarg Development Authority all participated in the review.
The Divisional Commissioner directed uninterrupted water and electricity supply with adequate backup systems, and called for strict cleanliness standards in toilet facilities managed by the Rural Development Department.
