GANDERBAL: Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, today convened a meeting to review the arrangements for the Annual Harmukh Gangbal Yatra 2026 and took a detailed assessment of the preparedness of various departments for ensuring safe, smooth and hassle free conduct of the Yatra.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the status of essential infrastructure, pilgrim facilities, sanitation, water supply, power, connectivity, healthcare, security and other arrangements along the Yatra route and at the base camp.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to undertake necessary upgradation and improvement of the track as well as the approach roads.
He also directed for upgradation and proper installation of toilet facilities, particularly at the base camp and other identified locations, with necessary water connections and sanitation arrangements.
The concerned agencies were asked to ensure that tents and other accomodation facilities are made functional and properly maintained for the convenience of pilgrims.
Reviewing power arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner directed the PDD to ensure adequate power availability, installation of required DG sets at identified locations and provision of charging points wherever necessary. He also stressed upon the PHE department to ensure uninterrupted water supply to all designated toilet facilities.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed the Health Department to ensure adequate deployment of doctors, medical teams and ambulances at strategic locations, with proper preparedness to respond to any medical emergency during the Yatra.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and ensure that the assigned works are completed within the stipulated timelines, with regular monitoring at the field level. He stressed that all arrangements must be put in place well in advance, keeping in view the difficult terrain and the requirements of pilgrims undertaking the Yatra.
He further directed the concerned agencies, including Police, Army, Fire & Emergency Services and SDRF, to ensure comprehensive security, emergency response and traffic management arrangements, with adequate coordination among all stakeholders.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that the focus of the administration should remain on pilgrim safety and availability of essential services as well as coordinated field level response, and directed all officers to personally monitor the arrangements pertaining to their respective departments.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Kangan, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, concerned Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE, Jal Shakti, PDD, PMGSY, Chief Medical Officer; Assistant Director Food, Tehsildar Kangan, Block Development Officer Kangan, District Floriculture Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, District Information Officer and other concerned officers and officials.
