Div Com Reviews Arrangements For Annual Machail Yatra

Directs To Ensure All Facilities In Place Well Before Pilgrimage Begins

JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Ramesh Kumar on Monday chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the arrangements being put in place for smooth conduct of Annual Shri Chandi Mata Ji Machail Yatra in district Kishtwar.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Ashok Sharma; Additional CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine Board, Vishvajeet; Additional DC Jammu, Chief Engineers of JPDCL, PWD, PMGSY besides senior functionaries of Reliance, Airtel and other concerned officers. The Deputy Commissioner Doda and District officers of Kishtwar participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

At the outset, the Divisional Commissioner inquired about the overall infrastructure development requirements. The Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar apprised him of progress achieved so far and future work plan.

While reviewing annual Yatra arrangements which generally start from July 25, it was informed that varied works have been initiated for development of basic facilities, roads, power supply, buildings, improvement of communication services etc in the Shrine area and the en-route.

The Div Com reviewed the status of roads and was informed that 66 KM Kishtwar to Gulabgarh (Padder) road was already there and another 16 KM PMGSY road had been completed from Padder to Kunail. He directed the Executive Engineer to expedite the pace of work and complete more length for smooth conduct of Yatra.

Regarding the power supply facility, the Chief Engineer JPDCL informed that a dedicated feeder was already in place for the Shrine area. It was informed that due to floods the cable was damaged and the work was in progress to restore the power supply.

The Div Com instructed Chief Engineer

JPDCL to ensure power supply to the dedicated feeder at the earliest so that uninterrupted electricity supply was ensured during the Yatra days.

Asking for the provision of dependable telecom services for the pilgrims, the Div Com stressed on the district administration to facilitate the work on installation of towers by telecom service companies, resolve land and power supply issues etc.

It was informed that a website portal/ mobile app will be launched for registration of pilgrims and to provide the information related to Shri Chandi Mata Ji Machail Yatra and its history. The Div Com asked the DC Kishtwar to explore provisions of RFID tracking of pilgrims visiting Machail Mata Yatra this year to ensure their safety.

While reviewing sanitation facilities, the DC apprised the Div Com that temporary toilets would be constructed en-route well before the start of Yatra.

The Chief Engineer PWD (R&B) informed that DPRs have been formulated for the construction/repair of Dharamshala, renovation of existing toilets en-route to Shrine and other additional works.

The Div Com also exhorted upon DC Kishtwar, other concerned officers to explore provisions of installation of solar lights, CCTVs on the entire route and Langer sites.

Regarding accommodation facilities, it was informed that a Dharamshala with the capacity of accommodating 200 persons was already there and the provisions of tentages will also be explored.

The Div Com directed concerned officers to formulate a comprehensive plan for more accommodation facilities, besides provisions of water proof tents for comfortable stay of pilgrims. The Div Come also reviewed the health care facilities and stressed for provision of adequate medical staff en-route and in the Shrine for providing patient care during Yatra days.

The Div Com also reviewed Development works executed in the Shrine and directed concerned officers to expedite the pace for their time-bound completion.