Minister Satish Sharma, DIG Maqsood Ul Zaman, DC Jatin Kishore and SSP Sudhanshu Dhama receive devotees; elaborate arrangements in place for safe and smooth pilgrimage.
Aqzar Raheel
Ganderbal, July 2: The first batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 arrived at the Baltal Base Camp in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Thursday, marking the formal commencement of this year’s pilgrimage through the Baltal route.
The pilgrims were accorded a warm welcome by Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Science & Technology, and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, along with Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range (NKR), Maqsood Ul Zaman, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Jatin Kishore (IAS) and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal Sudhanshu Dhama (IPS).
The dignitaries personally welcomed the yatris, interacted with them and conveyed their best wishes for a safe, peaceful and spiritually enriching pilgrimage. Senior officers from the civil and police administration and local residents were also present on the occasion.
Officials said elaborate arrangements have been put in place at the Baltal Base Camp and along the Yatra route to ensure the safety, security and convenience of the pilgrims. These include round-the-clock security, medical facilities, sanitation services, accommodation, traffic management and other essential amenities.
The pilgrims appreciated the warm reception extended by the administration and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made for their comfort and safety.
The district administration reiterated its commitment to ensuring the smooth, safe and successful conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 by providing all necessary facilities and maintaining close coordination among all stakeholder departments throughout the pilgrimage period.
