The Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today urged all line departments and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) to expedite preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025. During the 14th High-Level Committee (HLC) meeting of SASB, which was attended by senior civil and security officials, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for ensuring that all arrangements are finalized well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and disruptions.
Timely Tendering and Procurement
The Chief Secretary directed all relevant departments, including Public Works Department (PWD), Public Health Engineering (PHE), Rural Development Department (RDD), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and others, to complete tendering and procurement processes by next month. This proactive approach aims to ensure that essential services, including infrastructure, power supply, and sanitation, are in place ahead of time.
Safety First: Mapping Disaster-Prone Zones
Safety remains a top priority for the upcoming yatra. Chief Secretary Dulloo instructed the Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal to identify and mark disaster-prone areas along the pilgrimage routes. He emphasized that no utilities, including tents, should be set up in these areas. Additionally, the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (DMRR&R) Department was tasked with coordinating with district administrations to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure the safe passage of pilgrims.
Role of Nodal Officers
The Chief Secretary also urged each department to designate a nodal officer responsible for coordinating the finalization of preparations for the yatra. These officers will oversee their department’s specific duties, ensuring a smooth and well-organized event.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Power, Water, and Connectivity
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took stock of the budgetary needs and emphasized that the PDD (Power Development Department) should complete the task of undergrounding high-tension (HT) and low-tension (LT) power lines. Additionally, the Jal Shakti Department was urged to finalize the installation of an anti-freezing pipeline system to ensure uninterrupted water supply.
The issue of adequate traffic management was also discussed. The Chief Secretary called on the Traffic Police Department to devise a comprehensive plan to prevent traffic snarls, ensuring pilgrims and locals face no commuting hurdles during the yatra. Meanwhile, the Police Department was instructed to deploy sufficient personnel along the routes for security and facilitation.
Health and Sanitation: Ensuring Well-Being of Pilgrims
The Health Department was reminded to mobilize adequate manpower to keep base hospitals operational, along with other health facilities en route. They were also directed to initiate the process of inviting additional health personnel from outside, following the usual practice.
On sanitation, both the RDD and H&UDD were tasked with ensuring proper facilities such as toilets and bath units at key locations along the route. These facilities must be supplemented by continuous water supply and adequate hygiene measures, so as to provide a comfortable environment for pilgrims.
Technology and Communication: Streamlining the Yatra Experience
The Chief Secretary also discussed the need to streamline the registration process for pilgrims. Only RFID registered pilgrims, with valid health certificates, will be allowed to participate in the yatra. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) was asked to send daily weather updates to registered pilgrims to help them plan their journey better.
The installation of essential amenities like lights, water tanks, backup generators, communication towers, and public address systems at every camp location was also emphasized. These measures are aimed at providing a safe, comfortable, and connected environment for the pilgrims.
BROADENING the Scope for Improvements
CEO SASB, Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, briefed the meeting on the past arrangements and highlighted areas where improvements are necessary. He shared insights into the work already undertaken post-yatra 2024 and elaborated on the scope for enhancing infrastructure, such as the upgrade of yatra tracks by the BRO. Additionally, he gave details about disaster mitigation measures, prepaid hiring systems, camp holding capacity, and other essential requirements.
The Road Ahead
With just a few months left before the commencement of the yatra, all departments are working in tandem to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. From infrastructure development to safety measures and health facilities, every aspect of the yatra is being meticulously planned and executed.
As the days get closer to the start of the 2025 Amarnath Yatra, all eyes are on the seamless coordination and tireless efforts of government departments and local authorities to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of every pilgrim.
