Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 30: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today said that extensive preparations are underway and all departments are working in close coordination to ensure better facilities for pilgrims undertaking the annual Amarnath Yatra, which will commence on July 3, preceded by the traditional Pratham Pooja on June 29, and continue for 57 days until August 28.
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Addressing stakeholders during a review visit to Pahalgam, Garg said the administration is committed to ensuring smooth, foolproof and improved arrangements for the pilgrimage, while incorporating feedback from all sections associated with the Yatra.
The Divisional Commissioner said the purpose of the meeting in Pahalgam was to engage directly with stakeholders, including pony operators, palki operators, hotel owners and taxi operators, and gather their suggestions based on previous Yatra experiences.
He said various departments associated with the pilgrimage, under the supervision of district administrations, are continuously reviewing preparations to improve facilities and services for pilgrims. Senior officers from Srinagar also participated in the review process to ensure adherence to timelines fixed by Lieutenant Governor and Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), Manoj Sinha.
Garg said the administration aims to complete all major preparatory works by June 15-20 and reviewed track clearance work being carried out by Border Roads Organisation’s Beacon project. “We wanted to go to the field and see how far we have come. Overall, our aim is to have foolproof and better Yatra arrangements,” he said.
Expressing optimism over the expected turnout, the Divisional Commissioner said registration figures received from SASB are encouraging, with pilgrims from across the country already signing up for the annual pilgrimage. “The registration figures are very promising. People from all over the country have started registering. If more Yatris come, the arrangements should be better and our aim is to meet those expectations,” he said.
He further said stakeholders had provided valuable suggestions on sanitation, traffic management, infrastructure improvement, coordination with security agencies, and telecom connectivity. “All associations and stakeholders have given positive feedback on how services can be improved during the Yatra. We have discussed their suggestions with all departments and will work on each point within a defined timeline,” Garg added.
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