Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements being put in place for the smooth, safe and hassle-free conduct of the annual Machail Mata Yatra, scheduled to commence in August in the mountainous region of Kishtwar district.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Chief Secretary, PWD; Principal Secretary, Home; Director General, Fire and Emergency Services; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; IGP Jammu; Deputy Commissioner and SSP Kishtwar; Managing Director, JPDCL; Chief Engineer, Project Sampark; and other senior officers.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the arrangements being made to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, including sanitation measures, water and power supply, medical facilities, transport management and emergency response systems being coordinated by the concerned departments.
He also reviewed the implementation of directions issued after last year’s disaster incident along the yatra route. The meeting discussed measures such as introduction of online and RFID-based registration systems, disaster mitigation initiatives, installation of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) for real-time weather alerts, and preparation of detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure pilgrim safety and smooth movement during the yatra period.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar informed the meeting that elaborate accommodation arrangements are being made at Kishtwar headquarters, Gulabgarh, Chishoti and Machail to cater to the expected rush of devotees. Government accommodations, private lodging facilities, homestays and tented accommodations are being expanded, while a dedicated tent city is also being established at Machail for pilgrims.
Special emphasis was laid on crowd management and real-time monitoring of pilgrims through 100 per cent online registration and RFID-enabled tracking systems. The Divisional Commissioner also highlighted arrangements for daily monitoring of pilgrim movement, deployment of manpower at sensitive locations and inter-departmental coordination for efficient yatra management.
To enhance pilgrim safety, the administration is undertaking landslide mitigation works and strengthening monitoring systems at vulnerable stretches along the route. Departments concerned were directed to maintain strict vigil and ensure immediate response to any weather-related emergencies during the pilgrimage.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma briefed the meeting on comprehensive traffic and transport management plans aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and timely restoration of road connectivity, wherever required.
He informed the meeting that designated parking areas would be established, traffic movement regulated and uninterrupted access ensured for emergency response vehicles.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed medical preparedness and emergency response arrangements for the yatra. The meeting was informed that medical camps, ambulance services, emergency response teams and first-aid facilities would be set up at key locations along the route. Adequate healthcare personnel and essential medicines are also being arranged to deal with any eventuality during the pilgrimage.
The meeting further reviewed arrangements related to drinking water supply, uninterrupted electricity, communication facilities, sanitation and solid waste management for this year’s yatra.
