Srinagar, July 25: The annual Shri Machail Yatra commenced in the Kishtwar district of Jammu region on Thursday with great religious fervour and joy. The pilgrimage will continue till September 5, 2024.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range (DKR) Shridhar Patil, along with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr. Devansh Yadav and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom, reviewed and assessed the logistics and security arrangements made for the Yatra. They issued necessary directions to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Interacting with the pilgrims, DIG, DC, and SSP assured that the administration has made comprehensive civil and security measures to ensure a hassle-free and safe pilgrimage. The cut-off timings have been rationalized for the safety of the pilgrims
Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, Devansh Yadav, informed Rising Kashmir that various arrangements have been made this year for the convenience of the Yatris. He said pilgrims will be provided with adequate lodging and boarding facilities at the Yatri Sarai at Chandi Mata Bhawan, in addition to the tent city at the Bhawan and accommodation facilities at Yatri Bhawan and Sapphire Guest House. Tent houses are also open for Yatris at Gulabgarh.
“This year, the trekking distance to Machail Bhawan has been reduced as the motorable road up to Chashoti has been opened through the joint efforts of PMGSY authorities and district administration. Now, only a 3-4 hour on-foot journey remains for Yatris to reach the Temple of Shri Chandi Mata,” Yadav said.
He said various arrangements, including power and water supply, sanitation and hygiene, medicare facilities at various points, as well as the availability of helicopter services, have been made for the convenience of Yatris.
“Langers have been set up at various points by devotees, in addition to local food stalls and home stay facilities provided by local entrepreneurs to meet the needs of the pilgrims. Mobile phone connectivity in the Bhawan and along the route has been ensured,” DC Kishtwar said.
Yadav said the administration has set up a control room to address any queries or provide assistance to pilgrims during their journey. Pilgrims can easily contact the administration through this dedicated facility. Also, an adequate traffic and transport plan has been put in place so that Yatris did not face any kind of difficulties during the pilgrimage.
While appealing to the Yatris, DC Kishtwar said that devotees should keep their Aadhaar cards with them and carry their online or offline passes for a hassle-free journey.
DIG Range DKR encouraged Yatris to complete the pilgrimage without any inconvenience, abide by the guidelines, cooperate with the security personnel, and respect the sanctity of the pilgrimage site.
On the first day, DIG-DKR, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom , and other government officials, local PRIs, prominent socio-religious personalities, and hundreds of devotees paid obeisance at the Bhawan of Shri Chandi Mata Ji.
This year, a new initiative has been taken by the administration spearheaded by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar to facilitate online registration and online donations for Yatris, in addition to better access to information and services on the official website of Shree Machail Mata Yatra (shreemachailmatayatra.com).
The website also enables Yatris to avail themselves of information about the various facilities and to stay updated.
