Srinagar, May 19: The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, conducted a review of the preparations for the annual Machail Mata Yatra on Tuesday.
Officials reported that the Chief Secretary assessed the extensive arrangements made for the smooth and safe operation of the pilgrimage during a high-level meeting. He evaluated the efforts of the relevant divisional and district administrations to ensure the pilgrimage runs smoothly, safely, and without any interruptions. This year, the yatra is set to commence in August in the hilly region of Kishtwar.
The meeting included the Additional Chief Secretary (PWD), Principal Secretary (Home), the Director General of Fire and Emergency Services, the Divisional Commissioner (Jammu), the IGP (Jammu), the Deputy Commissioner (Kishtwar), the SSP (Kishtwar), the Managing Director (JPDCL), the Chief Engineer (Project Contact), and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary thoroughly reviewed the arrangements being made to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of this year’s pilgrimage. This includes sanitation measures assigned to the Rural Development Department, as well as arrangements for water supply, electricity, medical facilities, transport management, and emergency response by the concerned departments.
He also assessed the implementation of directives issued following last year’s disaster along the pilgrimage route. Measures such as the introduction of online and RFID-based registration systems, disaster mitigation initiatives, real-time weather alerts through Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), and the development of detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety and smooth movement of pilgrims throughout the journey were evaluated.
Ramesh Kumar, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, informed the meeting that extensive arrangements for accommodation are being made at various locations, including Kishtwar headquarters, Gulabgarh, Chishoti, and Machail, in anticipation of the expected influx of devotees.
Government housing, private lodging, homestays, and tent accommodations are being expanded, along with the establishment of a special ‘Tent City’ in Machail for the convenience of pilgrims.
Efforts to manage crowd control and real-time monitoring of pilgrims have been emphasized, with a 100% online registration and RFID-based tracking system being implemented.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner detailed plans for daily monitoring of pilgrim movement, deployment of staff at sensitive locations as needed, and strengthening coordination among various departments for better management of the yatra.
To enhance the safety of pilgrims, the administration is implementing landslide prevention measures in areas at high risk and strengthening monitoring systems in those regions.
Relevant departments have been instructed to maintain strict oversight and ensure prompt action in case of any weather-related emergencies during the yatra.
Kishtwar’s Deputy Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, provided information on comprehensive traffic and transport management plans designed to ensure smooth vehicle movement and timely restoration of road connectivity when necessary.
He reported that special parking areas are being created, traffic flow is being regulated, and uninterrupted access for emergency vehicles is being ensured.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed medical preparations and emergency response arrangements for the yatra. It was reported that medical camps, ambulance services, emergency response teams, and first aid facilities will be established at key locations along the route.
Adequate healthcare personnel and essential medications are being arranged to address any emergencies during the yatra. The meeting also reviewed arrangements related to drinking water supply, uninterrupted electricity, communication facilities, sanitation, and solid waste management for this year’s pilgrimage.
All departments have been directed to collaborate effectively to ensure the efficient provision of essential services and maintain cleanliness and environmental protection along the pilgrimage route.
The Chief Secretary called for coordinated efforts among all relevant departments and agencies for the successful organization of this year’s Machail Mata Yatra.
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