GANDERBAL: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today undertook a comprehensive visit to the Baltal Base Camp to assess the on-ground arrangements for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2025.

During the visit, the Chief Secretary chaired a high-level review meeting with the senior officers of the civil and police administration besides other line departments to take stock of facilities being provided to the pilgrims. The meeting focused on ensuring a seamless and comfortable pilgrimage experience for the devotees.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Syed Fahim Bihaqi, briefed the Chief Secretary on various aspects of Yatra management via the Baltal route. These included health and accommodation facilities, water and power supply, sanitation measures, flood mitigation and other essential logistics.

The Chief Secretary also had a detailed review of the security and traffic management plans.

SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, presented an overview of the security arrangements, including deployment of security personnel, surveillance measures and technological interventions like facial recognition systems, CCTV coverage and integrated control rooms for real-time monitoring.

It was informed that round-the-clock monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to ensure uninterrupted services and address any emergent issues promptly.

Commending the coordinated efforts of all the departments and agencies, the Chief Secretary urged them to work with the same spirit and commitment to ensure a safe and successful Yatra.

Later, the Chief Secretary visited the Base Hospital at Baltal to inspect the medical facilities, availability of emergency medicines and overall readiness to address health-related needs of the pilgrims. He interacted with the medical and paramedical staff and appreciated their dedication. He directed the health department to ensure sufficient deployment of medical personnel, ambulances and essential medicines to meet the influx of Yatris.

The Chief Secretary also visited the Joint Police Control Room (JPCR) Baltal, on-spot registration counters, tent accommodations and Langar areas. He interacted with the pilgrims, service providers and Langar sevadars to get first-hand feedback on the facilities. The pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and lauded the administration's proactive approach.

The Chief Secretary was accompanied by Secretary Science & Technology, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; DG Rural Sanitation; SSP Ganderbal; ADC Ganderbal; Camp Director Baltal and other senior officers from the civil and police administration.