Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday reviewed the arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 during an inspection of the Yatra Facilitation Centre at Nowgam Railway Station and the Yatra Transit Camp and Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk.
Garg, accompanied by Deputy Commissioners Athar Aamir of Budgam and Akshay Labroo of Srinagar, inspected accommodation facilities, separate sanitation arrangements for men and women, drinking water supply, and the functioning of RFID and eKYC counters. He directed officials to install adequate signage to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims to various service and facilitation centres.
Speaking to the media, the Divisional Commissioner said all preparations have been completed to welcome pilgrims and ensure their safe and comfortable stay. He said nearly four lakh pilgrims have registered online for this year’s Yatra, reflecting an increase over the previous year.
He said the pilgrimage will be held from July 3 to August 28 and expressed optimism that pilgrim numbers would rise further, given the strong tourist footfall witnessed in the Valley this year. To manage the expected rush, he said additional RFID and eKYC counters have been established at Nowgam Railway Station and Srinagar Airport.
Garg said the Yatra will continue under the convoy system from Jammu with strict security protocols and that the notified cut-off timings have already been publicised for the convenience of pilgrims.
He said priority in the issuance of RFID cards would be given to pilgrims who have completed online registration, while on-the-spot registration facilities have also been established at Pantha Chowk and the base camps on both Yatra routes. RFID cards for such pilgrims, he said, would be issued subject to the prescribed quota and accommodation capacity.
Highlighting the challenging terrain along the pilgrimage routes, Garg said weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) would be displayed on digital screens at Pantha Chowk and the base camps. He added that mountain rescue teams, along with personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other security agencies, have been deployed to provide timely assistance during emergencies.
During the inspection, the Divisional Commissioner stressed the need for close coordination among all departments and agencies to ensure the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
