Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda, Krishan Lal, chaired a review meeting at Dak Bungalow Bhaderwah, to assess the preparedness for the forthcoming Annual Kailash Yatra 2026 and review the arrangements being made to ensure the safe, smooth and successful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
The meeting witnessed a comprehensive review of the preparedness being made for the Annual Kailash Yatra, with detailed discussions on security, traffic management, transportation, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water, power supply, communication facilities, road repairs, availability of tents, temporary shelters, washrooms, firewood and other essential infrastructure along the Yatra route.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned departments to complete the required arrangements well before the commencement of the Yatra. Health authorities were instructed to deploy two dedicated medical teams equipped with oxygen support, along with a mobile medical unit from the Kellar side, to provide prompt medical assistance to pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.
To ensure the safety and security of devotees, adequate deployment of security personnel was planned at key locations including Kailash Kund and Hayan. The meeting also recommended the installation of solar lights at strategic points to improve visibility and enhance safety during night hours, particularly in remote and high-altitude stretches of the Yatra route.
Emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts, the DC Doda called upon all stakeholder departments to work in close synergy to provide hassle-free facilities to pilgrims. He also appealed to the local population to extend wholehearted cooperation and warm hospitality to the visiting devotees, thereby upholding the district's tradition of communal harmony and hospitality.
Special emphasis was laid on maintaining cleanliness and environmental sustainability along the entire Yatra route. The DC Doda directed the concerned departments to ensure proper sanitation, effective waste management and preservation of the ecological balance during the pilgrimage.
Expressing confidence in the collective efforts of the administration and local community, the DC Doda said that with meticulous planning, effective coordination and dedicated public support, the Annual Kailash Yatra 2026 would be conducted in a peaceful, safe and spiritually enriching manner.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, CEO Bhaderwah Development Authority, Additional Superintendent of Police Bhaderwah, Assistant Commissioner Development Doda, Divisional Forest Officer Bhaderwah, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Doda, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Doda, Tehsildars of Bhaderwah and Bhalla, Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Division Bhaderwah, EO Municipal Committee Bhaderwah, Assistant Engineer JPDCL, Block Development Officer Bhalla, Assistant Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Department, representatives of BRO and other concerned officers.
Prominent religious and community leaders also attended the meeting, including the President of Sanatan Dharma Sabha, President of Kailash Sewa Sang Trust, President of Kailash Langer Ganthak Ramtund, President of Chobia Langer Hanyan Rish Dal and representatives of Ashapati Kailash Sewa Samiti, Vasuki Sewa Sang Chobia, Kailash Dal Development Committee and the J&K Dharmarth Trust, who assured full cooperation for the successful conduct of the Yatra.
DC Doda directed all concerned departments to complete all pending works within the stipulated timeframe and maintain close inter-departmental coordination. He stressed the need for round-the-clock preparedness, robust emergency response mechanisms and continuous monitoring of arrangements to ensure the safety, convenience and well-being of every pilgrim.