POONCH, JULY 22: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu Division Bhim Sen Tuti on Tuesday reviewed arrangements for the upcoming annual Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026.
The Divisional Commissioner reviewed arrangements related to security, transportation, langar facilities, medical services, Public Address System (PAS), sanitation, fire safety, accommodation of yatris, registration, water and power supply, traffic management and lodging and boarding facilities for pilgrims.
The Div Com directed departments concerned to ensure necessary facilities are in place well in advance to provide a safe pilgrimage experience to yatris and instructed the Health Department to ensure adequate medical facilities and deployment of ambulances throughout the Yatra period. He further instructed agencies concerned to undertake immediate maintenance of the road surface from Bhimber Gali to Poonch to facilitate smooth transportation of pilgrims.
Speaking on the occasion, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti directed SSP Poonch to ensure foolproof security arrangements along the entire Yatra route and at all important locations.
Later, the Divisional Commissioner and IGP Jammu chaired an interaction with civil society members and religious heads to discuss issues and suggestions for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
The representatives highlighted various demands, including beautification of Eidgah Chowk and Bagh Deodi to enhance Poonch’s appearance and attract pilgrims from across the country, besides other issues related to Yatra arrangements.
The Divisional Commissioner and IGP assured the participants that all genuine issues would be examined and addressed on priority.
The Divisional Commissioner stressed the need for effective traffic management, advance planning for sanitation and toilet facilities at identified locations from Bhimber Gali to Poonch and timely identification and establishment of suitable langar sites. He also directed the Fire and Emergency Services Department to ensure adequate fire-safety arrangements at all langar sites, accommodation centres and other vulnerable locations to prevent any untoward incident.
Among those present were Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Sandeep Wazir, SSP Poonch Shafket Hussain Bhat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik, ACR, SDMs, Tehsildars and senior officers of the administration, police and line departments, besides members of civil society and representatives of religious organisations.
The first batch of yatris is scheduled to reach Poonch on August 17, 2026, while the Chhari Yatra will be held on August 26, 2026.
A two-minute silence was also observed during the meeting in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent flash floods.
The Divisional Commissioner further appealed to all to adhere to public advisories and weather forecast advisories over the next couple of days, during which the region may receive continuous rain.
