Safe meals for Sacred Miles: Food Safety Stepped Up for Amarnath Pilgrims

Ganderbal, June 19: As the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025 is set to begin on July 3, the Food Safety Department has intensified its efforts to ensure that safe, hygienic, and quality food is provided to pilgrims and other service providers during the pilgrimage.

Officials said that the department has directed all Langar operators, food business establishments, and shopkeepers along the Baltal route to register under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSS Act) 2006 and strictly follow hygiene norms. A mobile food testing van will be stationed at the Baltal base camp to monitor food quality in real time.

A senior official from the department told Greater Kashmir that routine inspections, food sampling, and awareness drives will be carried out daily to ensure compliance. “Only one objective—safe and wholesome food for the yatris,” the official said.

In addition to enforcing the food safety norms, the department will also ensure implementation of the food menu prescribed by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) and will strictly apply the provisions of the COTPA Act 2003 to keep the Yatra tobacco-free.

Commissioner of Food and Drug Administration, J&K, Smita Mishra, said that comprehensive arrangements are being made to safeguard food safety during the pilgrimage. “All necessary checks and mechanisms are in place. We are fully geared to ensure hygienic and standard-compliant food is served during the Yatra,” she said.

Food Safety Officer Fayaz Ahmad, stationed at Baltal, said that Langar operators and food vendors are being regularly educated about hygiene requirements, storage practices, and personal sanitation. “Inspections will be done every day to monitor conditions at free Langars and food stalls. Food samples will be collected to check compliance,” he said.

He added that awareness programmes are being organised to help Langar operators understand and implement food safety protocols. “We want them to serve clean, healthy meals to the yatris,” Ahmad added.

Last year, SASB had banned various junk food items to promote the health and safety of pilgrims. That order will remain in force this year as well, officials confirmed.

Meanwhile, the administration has put in place all necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Yatra, including convoy management, registration systems, track upgrades, camping infrastructure, medical aid, power and water supply, and mobile connectivity.

The 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine will be accessible via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal. The Yatra concludes on August 9 and is expected to draw lakhs of pilgrims from across the country.