Anantnag, June 24:
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Science & Technology, ARI & Trainings, and Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, today took a review meeting at Pahalgam to take stock of the preparedness and arrangements being put in place by various departments for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026.The meeting was attended by senior officers from the district administration and line departments, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Pahalgam, Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Deputy Director FCS&CA, Assistant Directors FCS&CA Anantnag and Kulgam, Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) of Anantnag and Kulgam, officers of the Motor Vehicles Department, Assistant Executive Engineers of PDD and PHE, besides other concerned officers associated with transport regulation, essential supplies and service delivery during the Yatra period.The review meeting focused on the preparedness of departments entrusted with ensuring smooth transport operations, uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, consumer facilitation, and provision of other critical services for the successful conduct of the annual pilgrimage. The Minister took a department-wise assessment of the arrangements being made and sought updates on the action plan, preparedness timeline and field-level coordination mechanisms.During the meeting, the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, briefed the Minister on the transportation arrangements being put in place for the smooth movement of pilgrims and service providers associated with the Yatra. The Minister was informed about the regulation of passenger transport, availability and deployment of vehicles, route management, traffic facilitation, and coordination between the Motor Vehicles Department and local administration to ensure seamless mobility along the Pahalgam axis during the Yatra period.The Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department also briefed the Minister on the availability and supply position of essential commodities required during the Yatra. The Minister was informed that arrangements are being put in place to ensure adequate stock and timely supply of ration, rice, sugar, LPG and other essential consumer items so that pilgrims, langars, service providers and local support establishments do not face any inconvenience during the course of the pilgrimage.Reviewing the preparedness of the departments under his charge, Satish Sharma stressed that the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is one of the most significant annual pilgrimages and requires meticulous planning, timely execution and close coordination among all departments concerned. He said that the success of the Yatra depends not only on major infrastructural and logistical arrangements but also on the efficiency of routine public service delivery, particularly in the areas of transportation, essential supplies and consumer support.The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure that all arrangements relating to transportation, essential supplies and service facilitation are completed well in advance so that the pilgrimage proceeds in a smooth, orderly and hassle-free manner. He stressed that availability of adequate transport, uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, proper regulation of passenger movement, and responsive consumer support systems are central to ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for the yatris.He instructed the Transport and Motor Vehicles authorities to maintain strict oversight over the movement and regulation of passenger vehicles, ensure availability of sufficient public transport, and keep all required systems in place for smooth mobility of pilgrims. He emphasized that transport planning should be carried out in close coordination with the district administration and other departments so that there are no bottlenecks during peak movement days.While reviewing the arrangements related to food and civil supplies, the Minister directed officers to maintain adequate buffer stocks of essential commodities at strategic locations and ensure timely replenishment wherever required. He stressed that ration, rice, sugar, LPG and other basic necessities must remain available without interruption throughout the Yatra period, and said that any lapse in the supply chain should be addressed immediately through advance planning and constant monitoring.The Minister also underlined the importance of a responsive and people-centric approach in dealing with pilgrims and service providers. He said that departments must ensure that grievances, supply-related issues and field-level concerns are attended to promptly and effectively. He called for strong inter-departmental coordination so that all services remain synchronized and responsive throughout the Yatra period.Emphasizing preparedness at the field level, Satish Sharma directed officers to identify any existing gaps in service delivery, logistics or coordination and address them without delay. He said that all departments must work in a mission mode, remain in constant communication with one another and ensure that every component of the arrangements is tested and operational before the commencement of the pilgrimage.The Minister said that the Government is committed to ensuring that Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 is conducted in a peaceful, well-managed and pilgrim-friendly manner. He said that the administration is fully focused on making all necessary arrangements for the convenience, safety and welfare of the devotees and that every department must discharge its responsibilities with seriousness, sensitivity and efficiency.Reiterating the importance of coordinated execution, Satish Sharma urged all concerned departments and field officers to work in complete synergy and maintain close supervision over the arrangements being put in place. He said that timely completion of works, uninterrupted public service delivery and prompt response to emerging requirements will be key to the successful conduct of the Yatra.The Minister further emphasized that the annual pilgrimage is a matter of faith for lakhs of devotees and therefore all departments must rise to the occasion by ensuring smooth arrangements on the ground. He said that the Government will continue to monitor the preparedness closely and all officers must remain fully alert and committed to facilitating a safe, comfortable and incident-free Yatra for the pilgrims.
