Jammu, June 22 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasized Saturday that ensuring the security of the Amarnath Yatra is the administration’s foremost priority, as he led a meeting to assess arrangements at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here.
Accompanied by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu zone Anand Jain, Dulloo inspected the heavily guarded base camp to review preparations ahead of the annual pilgrimage.
The 52-day pilgrimage will commence on June 29 via the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter but steep 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal.
“The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from here (Bhagwati Nagar) on June 28, and the yatra will commence in Kashmir the next day. We have come here to oversee the arrangements and have conducted a meeting with officials from various concerned departments,” the chief secretary told reporters at the base camp.
“Almost all arrangements are in place, and we are working to enhance facilities for pilgrims to ensure their comfortable stay,” he added.
Dulloo highlighted a significant increase in the capacity of lodging centers and other facilities for pilgrims, emphasizing that the pilgrimage will be closely monitored.
“We are implementing adequate security measures. Every necessary step will be taken as ensuring yatra security remains our top priority,” he assured.
