With Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 set to commence shortly, Deputy Commissioner Ramban Mohammad Alyas Khan today chaired a high-level meeting to finalise arrangements for the pilgrimage through Ramban district. He directed all departments to remain fully prepared with seamless coordination, prompt response mechanisms and pilgrim-centric facilities.
The Deputy Commissioner reviewed arrangements at Yatri Niwas Chanderkote, Langer Site Chanderkote, Yatra Camp Lamber, Banihal, and all 12 identified lodgment centres between Nashri and Banihal, and directed all Nodal Officers to take charge of their respective centres and ensure facilities are put in place well in advance through coordination with departments concerned.
The ACD and Executive Officers of Municipal Committees were directed to ensure cleanliness at all lodgment centres, regular toilet sanitation and scientific disposal of waste. The Assistant Director, FCS&CA, was directed to ensure uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders for Langars along the Yatra route.
All departments concerned were instructed to depute officials to the Joint Control Room for round-the-clock monitoring and communication. The Assistant Director, Fire and Emergency Services, was directed to deploy adequate manpower and firefighting machinery at identified locations; the Executive Engineers of JPDCL and Jal Shakti Department to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply with contingency plans ready; and the ARTO to keep standby buses available along with mechanics and spare parts at strategic locations for quick breakdown restoration.
The Chief Medical Officer was directed to position ambulances and medical teams as per the approved Yatra plan, while officers of NHAI were directed to station adequate men and machinery at vulnerable highway stretches to respond to landslides, blockades or other emergencies.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to widely publicise emergency contact numbers and share details of machinery operators, emergency responders and key officials for timely intervention, and instructed close coordination and immediate action on any issue arising during the Yatra period.
He also directed that no officer shall leave district headquarters or place of posting without prior permission during the Yatra period, and instructed officers on Yatra duty to utilise their subordinate staff effectively for smooth execution of responsibilities.
SSP Ramban reviewed security arrangements and advised all departments to share details of officers and official vehicles engaged in Yatra duties to facilitate coordination. SSP Traffic briefed the meeting on the traffic management plan, including convoy movement, cut-off timings and measures to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the pilgrimage.
Among those present were SSP Ramban Arun Gupta, SSP Traffic Raja Adil Hameed, ADC Varunjeet Singh Charak, SDM Banihal Mohammed Naseeb Bajraan, SDM Ramsoo Syed Mazahir Hussain Shah, ACD Sheraz Ahmed and senior officers of departments concerned.