SRINAGAR, June 20: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan arrived in Srinagar on Saturday to conduct a comprehensive review of arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, as authorities step up preparations to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
During his visit, the Home Secretary is expected to preside over a high-level security and coordination meeting attended by senior representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces and intelligence agencies. The deliberations will focus on evaluating operational readiness and strengthening coordination among all stakeholders involved in managing the pilgrimage.
According to official sources, the review will cover the overall security architecture along the two designated routes leading to the holy cave shrine the traditional Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Authorities have intensified preventive measures across the Kashmir Valley in the run up to the Yatra. Security agencies have increased surveillance operations, route inspections and area domination exercises to maintain a secure environment for pilgrims expected to arrive from different parts of the country.
The meeting is likely to examine deployment strategies, convoy movement protocols, intelligence-sharing mechanisms and emergency response systems. Officials will also assess disaster management plans and contingency arrangements designed to address any unforeseen situation during the pilgrimage period.
Sources said special emphasis is being placed on ensuring effective coordination between security forces and civil departments to facilitate uninterrupted movement of devotees and timely response to emergencies.
In recent weeks, various agencies have carried out mock drills and joint preparedness exercises to test communication systems, rescue capabilities and crisis-management procedures. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, SDRF and other departments have participated in these exercises aimed at strengthening operational efficiency.
Apart from security arrangements, the Home Secretary is also expected to review infrastructure and public service facilities established for pilgrims. These include healthcare services, transportation networks, communication support, accommodation facilities and rescue infrastructure at transit and base camps.
Officials said extensive efforts have been undertaken to enhance facilities for devotees and ensure that essential services remain available throughout the pilgrimage season. Medical teams, emergency responders and support staff are being positioned at key locations along the routes to assist pilgrims whenever required.
The Shri Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on July 3 simultaneously from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. With thousands of devotees expected to participate, authorities are focusing on maintaining robust security arrangements while ensuring a safe, comfortable and well-managed pilgrimage experience.
The Home Secretary’s visit is being viewed as an important step in finalising preparedness measures and reinforcing coordination among all agencies responsible for the successful conduct of one of the country’s most significant religious pilgrimages.