𝐂𝐌 𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐘𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐄𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲

Ganderbal/Srinagar, May 21: With the annual Amarnath Yatra and the Kheer Bhawani Mela fast approaching, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday emphasized that the safety of pilgrims remains the administration’s top priority. The government has initiated full-scale civil and security preparations to ensure the peaceful conduct of the religious events, which draw thousands of devotees every year.

During his visit to Ganderbal, CM Omar Abdullah inspected the arrangements for the upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela, scheduled for June 3, and reviewed security measures in place for the Amarnath Yatra, which will be conducted via both Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam routes. “Civil and security preparations are progressing simultaneously, and our aim is to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of these religious events,” the Chief Minister told reporters.

He further stated that while tourism in the region has been impacted, the administration’s immediate focus is on ensuring the safe return of every pilgrim. “Once the Yatra concludes peacefully, we will begin working with tourism stakeholders on a comprehensive revival strategy,” he added. The CM expressed cautious optimism, noting a gradual increase in interest from outside tour operators.

Apart from security matters, the Chief Minister also inaugurated key developmental projects in Ganderbal, including the Bakura Water Supply Scheme—benefiting over 4,000 residents—and an Old Age Home in Pandach. He also laid the foundation stone for a new Science Block at the Government College of Engineering and Technology (GCET), Safapora, emphasizing the role of technology in empowering youth and boosting entrepreneurship.

In a move to promote social inclusion, Omar Abdullah distributed scooties to specially-abled individuals, reaffirming his government’s commitment to equitable development. He was accompanied by several cabinet colleagues, including Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javed Ahmad Dar, and Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, along with senior bureaucrats and district officials.

Meanwhile, preparations are also in full swing at the administrative level. Director of Information and Public Relations, Nitish Rajora, chaired a high-level review meeting in Srinagar to assess communication and logistical readiness for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025.

The meeting focused on the timely installation of public address systems (PAS), deployment of staff, and execution of a comprehensive publicity campaign to keep pilgrims well-informed throughout the pilgrimage. Rajora stressed the importance of seamless coordination at all designated stations and directed officials to complete all installations—including hoardings and banners—well in advance.

“All arrangements must be in place to ensure a smooth experience for pilgrims, with every station operating efficiently until the conclusion of the Yatra,” he instructed.

Senior officials from both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, including Joint Directors and District Information Officers, participated in the meeting and provided status updates on infrastructure readiness and staff deployment.

With multi-agency coordination and a strong emphasis on safety and communication, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is moving steadily toward a well-organized and secure pilgrimageseason for 2025.