Anantnag: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI and Trainings, and Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, on Wednesday reviewed transport arrangements, availability of essential commodities and other critical services for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 at Pahalgam.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the district administration and various departments, including the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pahalgam, officers of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Motor Vehicles Department, Power Development Department and Public Health Engineering Department.
The minister took a department-wise review of preparedness and assessed action plans, timelines and coordination mechanisms for ensuring smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
During the meeting, the RTO Kashmir briefed the minister on transportation arrangements, including deployment of vehicles, regulation of passenger transport, route management, traffic facilitation and coordination between the Motor Vehicles Department and the district administration to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and service providers along the Pahalgam route.
Officials of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department informed the meeting that arrangements were being made to maintain adequate stocks of ration, rice, sugar, LPG and other essential commodities required during the yatra. They said measures were in place to ensure uninterrupted supplies to pilgrims, langars, service providers and local establishments.
Reviewing the preparations, Sharma said the success of the pilgrimage depends not only on major infrastructure and logistics but also on efficient delivery of essential public services, particularly transportation and supply of consumer goods.
He directed officers to complete all arrangements well in advance and ensure adequate transport facilities, smooth passenger movement and uninterrupted availability of essential commodities throughout the yatra period.
The minister also instructed transport authorities to maintain strict oversight of passenger vehicle operations and ensure close coordination with the district administration to avoid bottlenecks during peak movement days.
On the supply side, he directed officials to maintain sufficient buffer stocks of essential commodities at strategic locations and ensure timely replenishment whenever required.
Sharma also stressed the need for a responsive approach in addressing grievances and field-level issues faced by pilgrims and service providers. He asked officers to identify and address any gaps in coordination or service delivery without delay.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth, well-managed and pilgrim-friendly Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and said timely execution of plans, uninterrupted services and effective coordination among departments would be crucial for its successful conduct.
