DC Kathua reviews Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 arrangements at Lakhanpur

• Inspects infrastructure works, reviews facilities at lodgement centres; stresses quality asset creation

KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today visited the Lakhanpur Corridor and chaired a meeting at the DDC Council Building to review preparedness and arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.

The meeting was attended by SP Operations Brijesh Sharma; ADC Mahima Madan; CPO Ranjeet Thakur; IAS Probationer Nidhi; district officers and Nodal Officers designated for 36 Lodgement Centres.

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the status of infrastructure development and augmentation works undertaken along the Lakhanpur Corridor, the principal road entry point for pilgrims entering Jammu and Kashmir during the annual pilgrimage. He assessed the progress of new infrastructure, repair and renovation works, beautification measures and pilgrim-centric facilities being created at various locations.

The DC also conducted an on-site inspection of ongoing construction and repair works. He held detailed discussions with officers regarding the layout and positioning of key amenities, including registration facilities, sanitation units, resting areas, drinking water points, signage and other support infrastructure. He directed the executing agencies to ensure that all facilities are developed in a systematic and pilgrim-friendly manner, keeping in view the anticipated footfall and smooth movement of yatris.

Reviewing the arrangements at the lodgement centres, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the Nodal Officers to undertake regular visits and closely monitor the progress of works. He asked them to ensure that all deficiencies in amenities are removed well in time, adding that the required works have already been tendered and should now be completed within the stipulated timelines.

Emphasising quality asset creation, the Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to maintain prescribed standards in execution and ensure that the facilities created under the Yatra arrangements are durable, functional and capable of serving pilgrims efficiently.

The meeting was informed that six e-KYC counters and twelve RFID counters would be established at Lakhanpur for smooth registration, verification and movement of pilgrims. It was further informed that ADC Kathua Mahima Madan has been designated as the Yatra Nodal Officer for overall coordination and monitoring of arrangements. RFID-based tracking remains an important component of the Yatra management system for pilgrim safety and facilitation.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed the Assistant Commissioner Panchayat and Executive Officers of Urban Local Bodies to ensure optimum deployment of sanitation staff across the corridor and lodgement centres. He stressed maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene to provide a litter-free and sanitised environment for the visiting pilgrims.

Later, the Deputy Commissioner, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner State Taxes Joginder Jasrotia, inspected various sections of the State Taxes Building at Lakhanpur, which will also be utilised during the Yatra period. The officers reviewed the availability of accommodation space, utility services, sanitation arrangements and other facilities proposed to be used for pilgrim management and support activities. The DC directed the concerned officers to undertake all necessary improvements and ensure that the infrastructure is fully prepared well before the commencement of the Yatra.

The Deputy Commissioner called for close coordination among all stakeholder departments and reiterated that every effort should be made to ensure smooth, safe and hassle-free conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026, scheduled to commence on July 3.