Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan arrived in Srinagar on Saturday to undertake a comprehensive review of security and logistical arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence on July 3 amid heightened preparedness by security and civil administration agencies.
Official sources said the Home Secretary is set to chair a high-level meeting involving senior officials from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Police, Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies, and other stakeholders to assess the overall preparedness for the annual pilgrimage.
The review will focus on strengthening the security grid along both the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal district, from where the pilgrimage will begin simultaneously on July 3.
The visit comes at a crucial time as security forces have intensified area domination exercises, route sanitisation operations, anti-terror surveillance measures, and security audits across the Kashmir Valley, particularly in districts connected with the Yatra route.
Sources indicated that discussions are expected to cover deployment strategies, convoy protection, intelligence coordination, emergency response systems, disaster management preparedness, communication networks, and pilgrim safety arrangements at various transit and base camps.
Special emphasis is likely to be laid on inter-agency coordination to ensure swift response to any contingency during the pilgrimage period.
In recent weeks, multiple mock drills and joint exercises involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, SDRF, health services, fire and emergency departments, and other agencies have been conducted to test preparedness and strengthen coordination mechanisms.
Officials said the Home Secretary is also expected to review infrastructure and facilitation measures put in place for pilgrims, including healthcare facilities, transportation services, accommodation arrangements, communication support, rescue operations, and emergency evacuation plans.
The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra is one of the country’s most significant religious pilgrimages, attracting thousands of devotees from across India every year. Authorities have intensified preparations to ensure a safe, secure and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for all devotees.
The high-level review underscores the Centre’s focus on maintaining robust security arrangements and seamless logistical support ahead of the commencement of the Yatra next month.
