Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday conducted a high-level review of preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 during a detailed meeting at Baltal in Ganderbal. The meeting, attended by senior officials and stakeholders, focused on infrastructure, security arrangements, amenities, and eco-friendly initiatives to ensure a smooth, safe, and environmentally sustainable pilgrimage.
The LG was joined by K.N. Rai, Member of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; S.J.M. Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG and CEO of Shrine Board; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rahul Yadav, MD JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for Baltal; VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP Traffic; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal; and other senior officers from civil, police, and security departments.
The LG reviewed arrangements related to sanitation, healthcare, transportation, road maintenance, flood mitigation, disaster preparedness, registration, parking, langars, and overall infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of providing a safe, comfortable, and well-organized environment for pilgrims, stating, “My priority is that every pilgrim can enjoy the spiritual journey and leave with a truly enriching and fulfilling experience. The sacred Yatra is a moment of faith and shared joy, and I want the arrangements to reflect that spirit.”
He directed security agencies to maintain high vigilance, strengthen coordination, and ensure safety across all Yatra routes. The LG also instructed to increase the number of on-the-spot registration counters to facilitate quick registration and reduce waiting times for devotees.
Eco-friendly initiatives and Swachh Yatra campaign launch
In line with sustainable pilgrimage goals, the LG launched the “Shubham–Shivam” campaign under the Directorate of Rural Sanitation at Baltal base camp. The campaign aims for a zero-landfill, clean Yatra, integrating eco-innovations such as the “Trayambakam” mobile app for waste reporting, the “Swaha” utensil bank promoting eco-friendly dining, and the “Amarnath Seva Cafe” encouraging waste collection through active participation.
He unveiled a new website, the pilgrimage anthem “Swachhta Dharma Hamara,” logo, and mascot, emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation and cleanliness as a sacred duty. The LG highlighted the circular economy initiatives and stressed the need for strict sanitation standards, plastic bans, and responsible waste management.
Pilgrim facilities and healthcare infrastructure inspection
The LG also inspected pilgrim-centric facilities at Baltal Base Camp, including healthcare infrastructure, lodging, and sanitation. He interacted with healthcare workers at the Baltal Base Camp Hospital, ensuring the availability of quality medical services, medicines, and emergency care for pilgrims throughout the Yatra. He directed officials to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and service.
The LG expressed confidence that with these comprehensive preparations and community involvement, this year’s Yatra will surpass previous successes. He appreciated the efforts of the Shrine Board, government agencies, and frontline workers committed to ensuring a secure, eco-friendly, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
Senior officials and stakeholders, including the Shrine Board members, security chiefs, and civil administrators, remain committed to making the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 a model of spiritual devotion, environmental responsibility, and impeccable organization.