*Assesses roadmap to strengthen disaster preparedness
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 28: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired the 15th High-Level Committee (HLC) meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and impressed upon all line departments and stakeholders to ensure that comprehensive arrangements for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 are put in place well ahead of its commencement.
Besides the DG Police the meeting was attended by the Administrative Secretaries of all the departments, senior officers from the civil administration, police, and other concerned departments.
Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting through video conferencing.
Emphasising advance planning and timely execution, the Chief Secretary directed departments including Tourism, PWD, PDD, Jal Shakti, RDD, H&UDD, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, BRO, Telecommunication and others to complete all tendering, procurement and contract-related processes within the coming month. He stressed that early finalisation of works is critical to ensure seamless arrangements before the onset of the yatra.
Highlighting safety as the top priority, the Chief Secretary instructed the Divisional Administrations and Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal to identify and mark all disaster-prone and vulnerable areas along both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. He categorically directed that no utilities, including tents and temporary structures, be installed in such high-risk zones.
The Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) was asked to coordinate closely with district administrations to frame and implement robust Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) to ensure the safety of pilgrims. He also called for an assessment and augmentation of holding capacities at camps and transit points both within and outside the yatra area.
The Chief Secretary asked the Deputy Commissioners to facilitate all service providers and ensure that facilities created at every location are adequate, appropriate and sufficient for pilgrims as well as service personnel. He urged inter-departmental coordination and optimal utilisation of the available work window so that all infrastructure and services are fully ready well before the scheduled yatra dates.
The meeting also deliberated on ensuring that only RFID-registered pilgrims possessing valid health certificates are allowed to undertake the pilgrimage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) was enjoined to provide daily weather updates to registered pilgrims to enable informed movement decisions.
During the meeting, CEO, SASB, Dr.Mandeep Kumar Bhandari presented a detailed overview of arrangements made during the previous year and outlined requirements for the upcoming yatra. He highlighted improvements achieved after the conclusion of Yatra-2025, ongoing works and those proposed to be completed ahead of Yatra-2026.
He also briefed the meeting on BRO-related works for track upgradation, measures to ensure reliable power and water supply, disaster mitigation initiatives, prepaid hiring systems, camp holding capacities, registration of labour and pony services.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary, while reviewing the measures undertaken by the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) to strengthen the Union Territory’s disaster preparedness, response and mitigation framework emphasized on anticipatory action, technology-enabled early warning systems, and seamless inter-agency coordination.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised of a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening disaster management across Jammu and Kashmir, which has been developed by incorporating lessons learnt from recent extreme weather events, post-disaster reviews and national-level consultations with agencies such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department; Principal Secretary, DMRR&R; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; Secretary, Rural Development Department; Director General, Budget; Chief Executive Officer, Economic Reconstruction Agency, and other senior officers.
The Chief Secretary urged the department to take steps for implementation of the disaster mitigation framework without further delay, stressing the need for strong inter-departmental coordination to ensure effective execution of the roadmap on the ground. He also called for regular monitoring and close supervision at senior levels to track progress and ensure accountability.
He directed the Divisional and District Administrations to ensure timely updation of their respective District Disaster Management Plans (DDMPs) and to periodically review the status of preparedness and mitigation measures undertaken at their level.
The Chief Secretary called for RFID-based management of pilgrimages, particularly the Machail Mata Yatra, along with creation of the requisite supporting infrastructure along the yatra route. He also stressed the importance of conducting shrine-specific mock exercises, including at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, to ensure coordinated and timely response during emergencies.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti, highlighted the critical importance of strengthening last-mile dissemination of weather warnings, enhancing public awareness and promoting the adoption of digital platforms such as the SACHET App. He emphasized that District and Sub-Divisional Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) must be made functional with redundant communication systems, particularly in remote and border areas.
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