DC Ganderbal Reviews Preparations for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, Sets June 20 Deadline for Completion of Works
Ganderbal, June 9 (PTK): Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, on Monday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the preparedness and progress of developmental and logistical arrangements being undertaken for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 along the Baltal route.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner conducted a department-wise review of works included under the Action Plan-2026 and directed all executing agencies to ensure completion of pending works by June 20, well ahead of the commencement of the annual pilgrimage.
The Superintending Engineer, Public Works (R&B) Department, informed the meeting that works related to development of parking facilities, improvement of footpaths and pony tracks, and installation of barricades for crowd management at Baltal are progressing satisfactorily.
Reviewing power infrastructure, the Superintending Engineer, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) apprised the meeting that augmentation of the electricity distribution network, installation of street lighting and other related works are being carried out on priority to ensure uninterrupted power supply at Baltal, Domail, Transit Camp and other Yatra locations.
The Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, informed that substantial progress has been achieved in strengthening water supply infrastructure, including augmentation of pipeline networks and enhancement of facilities to cater to pilgrims, service providers and security personnel along the Yatra route. The remaining works, he said, would be completed within the stipulated timelines.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to ensure timely completion of all assigned works.
The Health Department informed the meeting that adequate medical arrangements have been put in place, including deployment of ambulances, emergency response teams, medical personnel and equipment at designated healthcare facilities and base camps along the route.
Officials from the Labour Department and Animal Husbandry Department stated that registration of labourers and service providers associated with the pilgrimage is being carried out on a priority basis. The Deputy Commissioner directed the Assistant Commissioner Labour to expedite the registration process.
To facilitate smooth traffic movement and efficient utilization of parking facilities, the concerned officers were instructed to prepare and submit a comprehensive parking and transport management plan.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements related to telecommunications, sanitation, ration supply, fire safety measures, transportation facilities for pilgrims and operation of SRTC bus services. All concerned departments were directed to maintain close coordination and address bottlenecks on priority.
Emphasizing the importance of mission-mode execution, the Deputy Commissioner instructed all departments to expedite pending verifications, finalize manpower deployment plans and submit regular progress reports for effective monitoring.
Reiterating the district administration’s commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage, Jatin Kishore directed all departments to strictly adhere to timelines and ensure that every required facility is fully operational before the commencement of the Yatra.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Superintending Engineers of R&B and KPDCL, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat and officers from various line departments, security agencies and stakeholders associated with Yatra management.(PTK)
