Hoshiarpur: District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain stated that the district administration has ensured comprehensive and robust arrangements regarding the safety of pilgrims, traffic management, and law and order during the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026. The pilgrimage will continue until August 28, 2026, with a large number of devotees passing through Hoshiarpur district on their way to the holy shrine of Shri Amarnath.
The District Magistrate informed that *langars* (community kitchens) have been set up at six locations in the district for the convenience of pilgrims. These include sites near the FCI warehouse in Garhshankar; the Focal Point and 'Vishal Dharam Kanta' complex in Tanda; the Shiva idol site at Pandav Mandir in Dasuya; the bus stand at Harsa Mansar (Mukerian); and a site near the Durga Mata Mandir in Mukerian.
She stated that necessary instructions have been issued to all concerned departments to ensure the pilgrimage is conducted peacefully and safely. The District Magistrate has directed the SSP to maintain law and order, ensure smooth traffic flow, curb overloading and overspeeding, and ensure regular security checks and joint patrols at *langar* sites and pilgrim halting points. Additionally, bomb disposal squads have been instructed to remain fully alert.
All Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been appointed as the overall in-charge of the pilgrimage within their respective sub-divisions. They have been directed to coordinate with relevant police officials to inspect *langar* sites, deploy duty magistrates as needed, and establish help desks at every *langar* location. These help desks will include representatives from the police, local bodies, the health department, the fire department, and *langar* committees. The district administration has clarified that setting up a *langar* at any location without administrative permission will not be allowed. Furthermore, strict adherence to the prescribed rules regarding the use of loudspeakers is mandatory. The Civil Surgeon has been directed to ensure the availability of round-the-clock medical services along the pilgrimage route and at *langar* (community kitchen) sites, to deploy ambulances and medical teams, and to keep special trauma centers ready to handle any emergencies.
The Regional Transport Officer has been instructed to conduct special checks on passenger vehicles and ensure that bus drivers adhere to prescribed speed limits. Meanwhile, the Department of Food and Civil Supplies has been directed to prohibit the bulk storage of commercial gas cylinders at *langar* sites to prevent fire-related accidents.
Officials from the Municipal Corporation and Municipal Council have been instructed to ensure cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and the provision of adequate dustbins and streetlights at *langar* sites. They have also been asked to encourage the use of eco-friendly materials while prohibiting the use of plastic and disposable items.
District Magistrate Aashika Jain stated that the administration is working in coordination with all departments—prioritizing the safety and convenience of the pilgrims—to ensure that the Shri Amarnath Yatra is conducted in a peaceful, safe, and organized manner.