Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 at Baltal base camp, directing all departments to ensure seamless arrangements, heightened security, and world-class facilities for the lakhs of pilgrims expected to undertake the annual pilgrimage.
He also launched the ambitious ‘Shubham–Shivam’ cleanliness campaign, unveiling a series of eco-friendly initiatives aimed at making this year’s Yatra clean, sustainable, and zero-landfill.
The meeting was attended by K.N. Rai, Member, 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 the Lieutenant Governor and CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Rahul Yadav, Managing Director, JKPDCL and Nodal Officer for the Baltal Axis; V.K. Birdi, IGP, Kashmir; M. Suleman Choudhary, IGP, Traffic, J&K; Rajiv Omprakash, DIG, CKR; Jatin Kishore, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal; Sudhanshu Dhama, SSP, Ganderbal; Shreya Singhal, Director, Information; Anoo Malhotra, DG, Rural Sanitation, J&K; and senior officers of the civil administration, police and security forces.
The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the infrastructure, security measures, and overall arrangements to ensure that all preparations are complete.
He directed all stakeholder departments to ensure that every amenity is in place and that devotees of Lord Shiva are welcomed into an environment that is safe, comfortable, and well-organised.
“My priority is that every pilgrim enjoys the spiritual journey and leaves with a truly enriching and fulfilling experience. The sacred Yatra is a moment of faith and shared joy. I want the arrangements to reflect that spirit, ensuring that Teerth Yatris are well cared for,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He reviewed the arrangements related to sanitation, evacuation plans, weather forecasting, holding areas for pilgrims, parking facilities, langars, transportation, healthcare services, drinking water and power supply, buffer stocks of essential commodities, road maintenance, flood mitigation measures, disaster management preparedness, animal husbandry services, registration counters, and other essential infrastructure.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the police and other security agencies to maintain the highest level of vigilance and ensure robust coordination for the safety and security of all pilgrims.
He also launched the Directorate of Rural Sanitation’s ‘Shubham–Shivam’ campaign at the Baltal base camp. The Lieutenant Governor said the campaign is a major step towards achieving a sustainable, clean, and zero-landfill Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Along with a slew of eco-friendly innovations, he also unveiled the new website, pilgrimage anthem, logo, and mascot.
“The true backbone of this initiative is our incredible sanitation team. I am grateful to the Karmyogi volunteers, whose relentless dedication will keep the base camp and both the Yatra tracks clean in the days ahead. They are the real heroes, turning our zero-waste vision into reality while preserving the environment and the profound spiritual dignity of the Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrimage,” the Lieutenant Governor said.