Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and the Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, today visited Ramban district and reviewed the arrangements being put in place for the smooth and successful conduct of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. They also assessed the progress of the National Highway-44 four-laning project from Nashri to Banihal.
Among those present were the DIG, DKR Range; the Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan; the SSP, Ramban; the SSP, Traffic NHW; the ADC, Ramban; the Project Director, NHAI; the SDM, Banihal; the SDM, Ramsoo; and officers from the District Administration, Army, CRPF, SDRF, Police and other stakeholder departments.
At the outset, Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mohammad Alyas Khan, briefed the Divisional Commissioner and the IGP Jammu regarding the comprehensive arrangements being made for the convenience, safety and welfare of pilgrims undertaking the annual holy pilgrimage.
The Divisional Commissioner inspected various facilities at Yatri Niwas, Chanderkote, including accommodation, sanitation, drinking water supply, power availability, medical facilities and security arrangements. He also reviewed arrangements at langar sites at Chanderkote, Yatra Camp Lamber and other designated locations along the yatra route.
While reviewing arrangements at Yatri Niwas, Chanderkote, the Divisional Commissioner directed all stakeholder departments to ensure completion of the remaining works and establishment of all essential facilities before June 20, 2026. He emphasised the installation of adequate toilet units at identified locations, proper sanitation and waste management systems, uninterrupted power supply, sufficient bedding capacity and efficient management of langar facilities. He further directed the SDRF to remain fully prepared with equipment and manpower to respond promptly to any situation during the yatra period.
The Divisional Commissioner instructed the Fire and Emergency Services Department to ensure all necessary fire safety measures at lodging centres, langar sites and other locations with pilgrim footfall. He directed the department to maintain readiness of fire tenders and emergency response teams.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the Executive Engineer, JPDCL, to ensure uninterrupted power supply at all lodging centres, camps and langar sites besides arranging an adequate number of generator sets as backup.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, to ensure adequate water supply and creation of sufficient storage facilities at all lodging centres, langar sites and other identified locations to cater to the requirements of pilgrims and service providers.
A threadbare discussion was held on various aspects of the arrangements required for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the timing and movement plan of both Pahalgam-bound and Baltal-bound yatra convoys, including designated halts, traffic regulation measures and cut-off timings, and issued necessary directions for their strict implementation.
Reviewing preparations at Yatra Camp Lamber, the Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned departments to expedite the pace of work and ensure completion of all pending arrangements by June 20, 2026.
The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the road and tunnel construction projects undertaken by NHAI. He directed the Project Director, NHAI, to expedite and complete the ongoing works on the Digdool–Panthyal tunnel stretch, Magarkote–Ramsoo Viaduct and other key infrastructure projects nearing completion, so as to ensure safe, smooth and comfortable road connectivity for pilgrims and commuters well before the commencement of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.
The Divisional Commissioner and the IGP Jammu also held a detailed discussion on the security arrangements with officers of the Police, Army, CRPF and other security agencies, emphasising close coordination and robust security measures for the safe and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police to personally monitor all the arrangements for the successful conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026.