• Accidental insurance cover for registered yatris, service providers, officials, seasonal workers & pujaris enhanced from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh

JAMMU: During its 50th Board meeting, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) today approved setting up Laser and Sound Show dedicated to ‘Baba Barfani’, to be hosted in both Srinagar and Jammu. The show will also serve as a cultural beacon, highlighting the rich spiritual history of the Union Territory.

The Board also announced that the Pratham Pooja for the 2026 pilgrimage will be performed on June 29, 2026 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnimaa. The formal commencement date for the Yatra will be finalized soon.

The meeting was chaired by the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB). The Board approved various key measures and interventions to further enhance the spiritual experience and convenience of devotees for the upcoming 2026 Yatra.

Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board decided to enhance the accidental insurance cover for registered yatris, service providers, officials, seasonal workers and pujaris from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. The Board also discussed and approved various welfare measures for SASB employees.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials for identifying spots for installation of suitable toilet facilities enroute the yatra. He further directed installation of shelter sheds and rain shelters on tracks for pilgrims, service providers and security personnel.

The meeting also discussed ongoing projects, dissemination of Yatra-related information, insurance cover for ponies; extension of online and pre-paid services; registration of pilgrims; disaster preparedness and mitigation measures; adequate provisioning of medical care facilities; langar and volunteer services, telecommunication, grid connectivity; Weather Forecasting Infrastructure & Systems, security and surveillance; digital pre-paid system for hiring services, laying of crash barriers and safety railings along vulnerable stretches on both routes and the progress achieved on various ongoing works undertaken by different departments.

Reviewing the maintenance, restoration and development of Yatra tracks by Border Roads Organization, the Board was informed that the BRO has registered a significant progress, achieving comfortable track width on both Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, gave a detailed presentation regarding the arrangements for the upcoming Yatra.

The meeting was attended by Members of the Shrine Board- Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Prof. Kailash Mehra Sadhu, Shri K.K.Sharma, Shri K.N.Rai, Shri Mukesh Garg, Dr. Shailesh Raina, Dr. Simridhi Bindroo, Shri Suresh Haware and Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri.

Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shri Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Shri Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department; Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shri Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home; Shri Santosh D. Vaidya, Principal Secretary, Finance; Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; IGPs; Deputy Commissioners (Ganderbal and Anantnag); Additional CEO SASB and senior officers of the UT Administration, BRO and Shrine Board also attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode, at Lok Bhavan Jammu.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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