SRINAGAR: The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Thursday approved a series of measures for the 2026 Amarnath Yatra, including a laser and sound show dedicated to ‘Baba Barfani’ and an enhanced accidental insurance cover for pilgrims.
At its 50th Board meeting, the SASB announced that the Pratham Pooja for the 2026 Yatra will be held on June 29, 2026, on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima. The formal commencement date of the pilgrimage will be announced separately.
The Board increased the accidental insurance cover from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh for registered yatris, service providers, officials, seasonal workers and pujaris. Several welfare measures for SASB employees were also approved.
The proposed laser and sound show in Srinagar and Jammu will showcase the spiritual significance of the shrine and the cultural heritage of the Union Territory.
Reviewing preparedness, the Board assessed arrangements related to pilgrim registration, disaster management, medical facilities, insurance for ponies, online and prepaid services, telecom connectivity, weather forecasting, security measures, and safety infrastructure along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to identify additional sites for toilets and install shelter sheds and rain shelters along the Yatra routes.
The Board was informed that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has achieved comfortable track width on both routes through maintenance and restoration works.
SASB CEO Mandeep K. Bhandari presented a detailed overview of the preparations. The meeting was attended by Board members and senior officials of the UT administration, BRO and other departments at Lok Bhavan, Jammu, both in person and virtually.
