SRINAGAR, May 19 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed arrangements for the annual Machail Mata Yatra in Kishtwar district, which is scheduled to begin in August this year.
Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Secretary assessed preparations for the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, an official spokesperson said. He also reviewed the implementation of directions issued after last year’s cloudburst along the yatra route.
A cloudburst had struck Chisoti village, the gateway to the Machail Mata shrine, on August 14 last year, killing 63 people, mostly devotees, injuring several others and leaving around 30 missing.
Dulloo was briefed on key safety measures including online and RFID-based registration systems, disaster mitigation steps, installation of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) for real-time alerts, and preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure pilgrim safety and smooth movement.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar informed the meeting that elaborate accommodation arrangements are being made at Kishtwar headquarters, Gulabgarh, Chisoti and Machail to manage the expected influx of devotees. Facilities including government buildings, private accommodations, homestays and tented lodging are being strengthened, with a dedicated tent city also being set up at Machail.
Special focus was laid on crowd management and real-time monitoring through 100 per cent online registration and RFID-based tracking systems. Daily monitoring of pilgrim movement and deployment of manpower at sensitive points were also discussed.
The administration is also undertaking landslide mitigation measures and strengthening monitoring systems along vulnerable stretches of the route to enhance safety.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma presented detailed traffic and transport management plans to ensure smooth vehicular movement and quick restoration of road connectivity if required.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed medical preparedness, including medical camps, ambulance services, emergency response teams and first-aid facilities at key locations along the route. Adequate healthcare staff and essential medicines are being arranged for emergencies.
He directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure efficient service delivery, while maintaining cleanliness and environmental protection along the pilgrimage route.
