Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar alongside Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti, on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for smooth and secure conduct of Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2025.
The meeting was attended by DIG Traffic, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, SSP Kishtwar, MD JPDCL, Secretary Culture, officials from Tourism, Transport, Health and other line departments.
The Divisional Commissioner and IGP took a detailed appraisal of the arrangements made for the annual yatra by the civil and police administration as an elaborate PowerPoint presentation was given by the Deputy Commissioner and SSP Kishtwar.
Reviewing the preparations, the Div Com inquired about the civic amenities put in place for the pilgrims en-route to the holy Pilgrimage. Point wise discussion was held on accommodation capacity at places designated for night halts including Darmshaals, homestays and guesthouses.
He took feedback on arrangements for power, water supply, medical facilities, illumination, mobile connectivity and sanitation arrangements en-route from Kishtwar to Gulabgarh to the holy shrine.
The Divisional Commissioner directed for installing sufficient numbers of mobile toilets along the route. He further asked the administration to ensure the pilgrims don’t digress from the designated route to the holy shrine.
Strict directions were issued for adhering to the cut off timings for crossing the specific location of the pilgrimage route. The District Administration was asked to give wide publicity to the cut off timings and the Dos and Don’ts for pilgrims.
The IGP Jammu, while reviewing the security arrangements, directed for movement of the pilgrims under proper regulation and with full security. He suggested for mini-convoy of vehicles of the pilgrims and restricting any kind of movement after the cut-off timings.
Directions were also issued for a robust queue management system, CCTV camera coverage at the Shrine and at vulnerable spots along the route. Further stress was laid on ensuring Fire and Emergency services and wide publicity of the annual holy yatra through print, electronic media and hoardings by the Tourism Department.