Jammu, Feb 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired the 50th meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and approved a series of measures for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, including enhancement of insurance cover and installation of new facilities along the pilgrimage routes.
The Board approved the setting up of a Laser and Sound Show dedicated to Baba Barfani in both Srinagar and Jammu, aimed at showcasing the spiritual heritage of the Union Territory.
It was also announced that the Pratham Pooja for the 2026 Yatra will be performed on June 29 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima. The formal commencement date of the pilgrimage will be announced separately.
Among the key decisions, the SASB enhanced the accidental insurance cover for registered yatris, service providers, officials, seasonal workers and pujaris from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Various welfare measures for SASB employees were also approved.
Reviewing preparations for the Yatra, the Lieutenant Governor directed officials to identify locations for installation of adequate toilet facilities along the route and to set up shelter sheds and rain shelters for pilgrims, service providers and security personnel.
The Board reviewed ongoing infrastructure and logistical arrangements, including dissemination of Yatra-related information, insurance cover for ponies, extension of online and prepaid services, registration of pilgrims, disaster preparedness and mitigation, medical facilities, langar and volunteer services, telecommunication and grid connectivity, weather forecasting systems, security and surveillance, and installation of crash barriers and safety railings on vulnerable stretches of both routes.
During the meeting, the Border Roads Organisation informed the Board that significant progress had been achieved in the maintenance and development of the Baltal and Pahalgam tracks, with improved track width on both routes.
Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of SASB, gave a detailed presentation on arrangements for the upcoming pilgrimage.
The meeting was attended by members of the Shrine Board, senior officials of the UT Administration, the Border Roads Organisation and the Shrine Board, in person and through virtual mode, at Lok Bhavan, Jammu.
