As preparations gather pace for the annual Manimahesh Yatra, Bharmour Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Vikas Sharma on Tuesday conducted a detailed inspection of the Hadsar-Dhancho trekking route along with officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), Jal Shakti Department, Electricity Department and the wildlife wing.
The annual pilgrimage this year is scheduled from September 4 to 19.
The ADM trekked along the route from Hadsar to Dhancho to assess the progress of restoration and improvement works being undertaken on the pilgrimage track. He reviewed the condition of vulnerable stretches and examined the ongoing construction of an alternative route at locations that were severely damaged during last year’s monsoon.
Sharma said an alternative pathway was being developed on a war footing to ensure the safe movement of pilgrims during the upcoming yatra. Taking note of damaged and unsafe sections along the route, he directed the departments concerned to expedite repair and strengthening works and complete them well before the pilgrimage season.
The Hadsar-Manimahesh trek route suffered extensive damage during last year’s monsoon and pilgrimage season when continuous heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides, washing away portions of the track and damaging bridges at several locations. The disruption stranded more than 15,000 pilgrims and local residents in the Manimahesh area, prompting a major rescue and relief operation by the administration and disaster response agencies.
Keeping in view the challenges witnessed last year and favourable weather conditions at present, the Bharmour administration initiated preparations well in advance this year to avoid last-minute hurdles and ensure smooth arrangements for devotees.
The ADM also stated that wooden bridges would be constructed jointly by the Forest and Public Works Departments at locations where existing bridges on the Hadsar-Manimahesh route had been damaged. The sites identified for these bridges were assessed during the inspection.
Officials said the administration was focused on ensuring the safety, accessibility and convenience of thousands of pilgrims expected to undertake the annual pilgrimage to the sacred Manimahesh Lake later this year. The inspection forms part of a broader effort to strengthen infrastructure and improve disaster preparedness along the route before the commencement of the yatra.
