ANANTNAG: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, who is also the Yatra Officer Pahalgam Axis, Dr Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat, on Wednesday, chaired a meeting of officers at Dak Bungalow Khanabal to review the preparedness and departmental arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 along the axis.
During the meeting, the DC held a comprehensive review of arrangements including the Yatra route preparation, power and water supply, healthcare facilities, sanitation, traffic management, communication services, emergency response and other logistical support for the smooth conduct of the sacred pilgrimage.
The meeting was informed that various departments have prepared a detailed action plan for the Yatra. It was highlighted that a total of 175 works have been proposed under Capex and Revex at an estimated cost of ₹5428.43 lakh, covering key sectors including power supply, water supply, road connectivity and infrastructure.
The DC was apprised that the track from Chandanwari to the Holy Cave will be opened in May 2026 and snow clearance, repair of tracks, restoration of culverts and construction of rain and shelter sheds along the route will be undertaken. Upgradation of the track to improve pilgrim movement and maintenance of pony tracks and footpaths were also discussed.
The Public Works (R&B) Department informed that works are being undertaken for improvement of approach roads, development of parking facilities near base camps and operationalization of a new transit camp at Bijbehara to facilitate pilgrims.
Jal Shakti Department reported that adequate drinking water supply will be ensured at all camps and enroute locations. The department will also install RO filtration plants at transit camps and use anti-freezing pipelines at higher altitude camps to maintain uninterrupted water supply during the Yatra period.
The Power Development Department/KPDCL informed that arrangements are being made for uninterrupted power supply at all camps, installation of LED lighting along the track, solar lighting at high-altitude camps and generator backup for RFID and registration counters.
The Health Department briefed the chair that a 100-bedded hospital will be operationalized at Chandanwari, besides establishing medical aid centres at Sheshnag and Panjtarni. Adequate deployment of doctors, paramedics and ambulances will be ensured, along with oxygen booths and emergency medical response facilities along the route. AYUSH medical aid camps will also be established at various locations.
Regarding sanitation, the Rural Development Department, PDA and other agencies will ensure installation of adequate number of toilets and bathing units at camps and halt points, besides making arrangements for solid waste management and maintaining cleanliness throughout the Yatra period.
The requirement of services of Pony, Pithu and Palki Walas besides health care for horses and ponies were discussed in detail.
Arrangements for tents, ration and essential commodities at various stations enroute to the Holy Cave for both normal and contingency were also reviewed.
Further, the RFID and registration, fire fighting, telecommunication, publicity and media management plans were reviewed during the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, the DC emphasised the need for meticulous planning based on previous data and experience for ensuring smooth and hassle-free Yatra. He stressed upon all departments to work in close coordination and put in place the necessary arrangements for pilgrims in a seamless manner. All works shall be completed in time while maintaining high standards of safety, hygiene and service delivery during the Yatra period, he remarked.
Dr. Bilal called for strengthening emergency response mechanisms and ensuring effective communication facilities along the Yatra route for the safety and convenience of pilgrims.
