In wake of inclement weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir, the district administration of Kishtwar has suspended both Machail Mata Yatra and Mindhal Mata Yatra in the mountainous region.
In August last year, over 100 pilgrims were killed in a massive flashflood that struck a village from where the Machail Yatra was passing. The administration had faced criticism at that point for not suspending the pilgrimage despite advisory by the Meteorological Department.
An order by the district administration stated, “In view of the adverse weather conditions prevailing across Kishtwar district, including continuous rainfall, slippery road conditions and the risk of shooting stones, and in the interest of ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims, both the Machail Mata Yatra and Mindhal Mata Yatra shall remain suspended for Friday.”
The order further read that pilgrims are advised not to undertake the yatra on Friday and are requested to remain at their homes or other safe locations until further advisories are issued by the Kishtwar district administration. “This order shall come into force with immediate effect,” it read.
While the Machail Mata Yatra officially commences late July, pilgrims from across the region continue to visit the sacred shrine in the mountainous region that remains shut during the winter owing to heavy snowfall. The MeT department has predicted rainfall, thunderstorm and hailstorm in the region till June 6.
The Chief Secretary of J&K, Atal Dulloo, last month held a meeting to review the arrangements for the Machail Mata Yatra. 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 departments concerned.
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.
Many people who got lost in the flashflood last year were never found and are presumed to be dead by their family members.
