The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has appointed two senior officers as Nodal Officers for ensuring the smooth and coordinated conduct of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 commencing next month.
According to Government Order No. 1108-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated June 22, 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the appointments have been made in addition to the officers’ existing responsibilities.
As per the order, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports Department, has been designated as the Nodal Officer for the Pahalgam Axis, one of the key routes of the annual pilgrimage.Similarly, Rahul Yadav, IAS, Managing Director, J&K Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) and holding additional charge of J&K Power Corporation Limited (JKPCL), has been appointed as the Nodal Officer for the Baltal Axis.
The order states that both officers shall closely monitor all arrangements related to the Yatra and maintain coordination with the concerned departments and agencies involved in the conduct of the pilgrimage. They have also been directed to regularly liaise with and report to the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB).
The appointments are aimed at strengthening inter-departmental coordination and ensuring seamless management of logistics, infrastructure, public services, safety measures and other essential arrangements for lakhs of devotees expected to undertake the annual pilgrimage.The order was issued by M. Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, by the order of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, a joint security and disaster management mock drill was conducted on Tuesday at Yatra Niwas Chanderkote, Yatra Langar site and along the National Highway-44 in Ramban district to review preparedness and enhance the response mechanism against any possible threat or emergency situation.
During the exercise, drones and dog squads were deployed to strengthen surveillance and security arrangements. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Home Guards and Fire and Emergency Services Department participated in the drill.
The mock exercise focused on improving coordination among different security and emergency response agencies and ensuring swift action during any unforeseen situation related to the annual pilgrimage.
The Shri Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence from July 3 this year. An official said that the Ramban stretch of NH-44 holds strategic importance for the pilgrimage as thousands of devotees pass through the district during their onward journey towards the holy cave shrine.
Follow us
