Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Thursday reviewed preparations for the upcoming 57-day Amarnath Yatra at a high-level meeting of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB).
Senior officials from the civil administration and police attended the meeting, which focused on ensuring smooth, safe, and well-organised arrangements for the pilgrimage scheduled from July 3 to August 28 (Raksha Bandhan).
The Chief Secretary conducted a detailed assessment of readiness across all sectors, with special emphasis on the movement of pilgrims along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and both key routes to the holy cave shrine via Baltal and Chandanwari. He instructed departments to strengthen infrastructure and services in view of the expected rise in pilgrim numbers this year.
Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and CEO of SASB, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, presented an overview of arrangements including registration, service providers, Yatra camps, langar facilities, and essential logistics. He informed that registration began on April 15 through online and offline modes, with 19,402 pilgrims enrolling on the very first day.
The Pratham Puja is scheduled for June 29, 2026.
The Chief Secretary directed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to complete snow clearance on all Yatra tracks by May 15, 2026. He also stressed timely road repairs, installation of signage and crash barriers, slope stabilisation, bridge upkeep, and restoration of shelter facilities along the routes.
Reiterating the need for coordinated inter-departmental efforts, he asked officials to ensure all arrangements are completed well in advance. He said the aim is to provide pilgrims with a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching experience during the Yatra.
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