Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026. The official pamphlet of the Yatra was also released at the meeting. The meeting also finalized the schedule for the Yatra from August 16 to August 27- 2026.
It was informed that the inaugural function of the Yatra shall be held in Jammu on August 16, while the first batch of pilgrims would reach Poonch on August 17. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tahir Mustafa Malik; Assistant Commissioner Development, Shakeel Ahmed Malik; General Manager DIC, Naheem Un Nissa Bhatti; Superintendent District Jail Poonch, Iftikhar Ahmed Choudhary, officers from defence and police, besides all district officers, Executive Engineers, religious heads and members of the Yatra committee.
The religious heads raised various issues and demands related to arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for foolproof security arrangements, proper traffic management, establishment of sheds, registration facilities , establishment of control rooms, sanitation measures and provision of basic amenities including toilets, safe drinking water, medical facilities and accommodation for the pilgrims.
He directed the concerned departments to complete the necessary arrangements well in advance to ensure a peaceful, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage. The Deputy Commissioner also directed the concerned Executive Engineers to clear road patches and initiate blacktopping of the Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Temple road before the commencement of the Yatra, besides maintaining the National Highway for smooth vehicular movement.
The meeting also stressed on sanitation and cleanliness at the langar sites. The Municipal authorities were directed to place an adequate number of dustbins and ensure proper cleanliness in and around the camps. Officials of the Power Development Department were instructed to provide uninterrupted power supply, while the Jal Shakti Department was asked to arrange round-the-clock water tankers for langar sites. The Health Department was directed to deploy medical teams and ambulances during the Yatra to ensure prompt medical assistance in case of emergencies.