In preparation for the annual Amarnath Yatra, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have directed that disaster-prone and vulnerable areas along the two main pilgrimage routes be clearly identified and marked well in advance. The move aims to enhance pilgrim safety and ensure smoother arrangements ahead of the high-altitude pilgrimage scheduled for July–August.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo issued the directions during a meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), asking the divisional administrations and deputy commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal districts to take immediate steps. The two routes include the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal.
Officials said Dulloo instructed that no utilities, including tents and temporary structures, should be installed in high-risk disaster-prone zones along these routes. This decision follows concerns over landslides, cloudbursts and other natural hazards that have affected the region in recent years.
The chief secretary also stressed the importance of advance planning and timely execution of all arrangements. Departments such as Tourism and the Public Works Department have been asked to complete tendering, procurement and contract-related processes within the next month to avoid last-minute delays.
Health preparedness was highlighted as a key priority. Authorities were directed to ensure full functionality of base hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal, along with strengthening medical facilities en route. The Health Department has been asked to initiate the process of engaging additional medical staff from outside the Union Territory, as is done every year.
The meeting also reviewed improvements made after last year’s yatra and discussed ongoing and proposed works for Yatra 2026. These include track upgradation by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), ensuring reliable power and water supply, disaster mitigation measures, camp capacities, and registration of labour and pony services.
Officials further reiterated that only RFID-registered pilgrims with valid health certificates will be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage, reinforcing safety and monitoring mechanisms for one of India’s most significant religious events.
