Srinagar, Apr 1 (NVI): Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Wednesday reviewed preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2026 and directed departments to ensure timely completion of infrastructure, safety and logistical arrangements for a smooth and incident-free pilgrimage.
Chairing a high-level meetings of senior officials including deputy commissioners of multiple districts and officials from key departments, Garg assessed the status of ongoing and proposed works under revenue and capital expenditure heads.
He reviewed progress on works being executed by BEACON, including snow clearance, track repairs and widening along the Pahalgam route.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to expedite macadamisation of roads around base camps, develop parking facilities and pony stands, and restore helipads ahead of the Yatra.
Emphasising safety and quality, Garg said tentage facilities along the Pahalgam and Baltal routes must be set up only in secure, non-vulnerable locations with proper standards and aesthetics.
He asked the Anantnag deputy commissioner to assess flood-prone areas, coordinate resource pooling and ensure safe placement of camps, along with regulated movement of pilgrims.
Reviewing arrangements at base camps, Garg stressed adequate fire safety measures, including fire gaps between tents and deployment of fire tenders and personnel. He also called for robust sanitation and cleanliness along the routes.
He directed that registration of pilgrims and service providers be completed well in advance, and reviewed healthcare facilities, calling for increased deployment of ambulances.
Instructions were also issued for accommodation of security personnel, transport arrangements through RTC buses, installation of public address systems and signage, and timely dissemination of weather updates.
Telecom service providers were asked to ensure uninterrupted connectivity across routes and camps to support communication and RFID-based tracking systems, officials said.(NVI)
