Kishtwar: To enhance facilities in the Machail area for the upcoming Shree Machail Mata Ji Yatra 2025, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan convened a review meeting here on Friday. During the meeting, the DC reviewed various ongoing developmental works in the subdivision for the convenience of Yatris.
Detailed discussions were held on the completion of Yatra Bhawan at Gulabgarh, floating of tenders for heli services, repairing of various Yatra facilities such as sanitary complexes, development of the area around the Bhawan, provision of proper power and water supply during the Yatra, boarding and lodging arrangements for Yatris, illumination from Darshini Dwar to Machail Bhawan, deployment of fire-fighting system at Machail, security arrangements, development of roads and bridges ahead of Gulabgarh to Machail, and telecom connectivity along the Yatra route. Array of directions were issued to the concerned officers.
The DC said that this year, we should expect 10 lakh pilgrims, as last year the Yatra crossed 3 lakh. He also stated that this would be possible only with proper publicity and by ensuring all necessary arrangements for the Yatris.
The PMGSY Paddar was asked to work in double shifts to complete road connectivity work. In this regard, SDM Paddar was instructed to conduct weekly monitoring and submit reports.
The JPDCL authorities were directed to arrange additional generator sets for power supply at Yatra Bhawan, Gulabgarh.
The DC also urged the concerned authorities to explore the possibility of installing a mega tent city to enhance the tourism experience during the Yatra.
The ACD was asked to furnish detailed estimates for the repair of existing and construction of new bathrooms wherever required, ensuring completion before the Yatra.
SDM Paddar was assigned the responsibility of overall monitoring of ongoing projects to ensure their completion before the commencement of the Yatra.
Earlier, the Sarv Shakti Sewak Sanstha members sought intervention of DC in rate fixation for rooms during the Yatra, making provision of additional washrooms and designating Sarkoot Mandir as the Yatra’s base camp. The DC carefully listened to all grievances and assured all possible assistance from the administration.
The meeting was attended by ADC Pawan Kotwal; ASP Pawan Sharma; CEO KDA Rishi Kumar Sharma; SDM Paddar Dr. Amit Kumar; ACD Phulail Singh; DFO Marwah, AD FCS&CA, Tehsildar Paddar, ExEn PMGSY Paddar, ExEn Jal Shakti Kishtwar, AEE JPDCL, representatives from Sarv Shakti Sewak Sanstha, contractors and other concerned.
