Kishtwar: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh conducted a comprehensive review of arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026 during a two-day visit to Paddar subdivision.
The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on April 14 and is expected to draw lakhs of devotees.
The review included a meeting at Gulabgarh and a public darbar at Machail. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner assessed the preparedness of stakeholder departments and inspected the progress of development works related to the Yatra.
The DC reviewed road connectivity, bridge construction and other infrastructure works and directed departments to ensure adequate arrangements for drinking water, electricity, sanitation and healthcare facilities for pilgrims.
He said the district administration would issue RFID cards to pilgrims this year and informed that more than 90 per cent of the work on the RFID-based tracking system has already been completed. The system, he said, would be fully operational before the commencement of the Yatra.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to spread awareness among pilgrims regarding the use of RFID cards to facilitate crowd management and security.
Security arrangements were also reviewed in detail. The DC directed the police to strengthen deployment, install surveillance systems and establish checkpoints along the Yatra route.
The Border Roads Organisation was directed to construct a temporary Bailey bridge at Chishoti village on the Atholi–Machail road after the earlier bridge was washed away in last year’s cloudburst. A permanent bridge, officials said, will be taken up later by the BRO.
The PMGSY Department was asked to expedite work on the Atholi–Pallali road and accelerate construction of the Massu bridge.
The PWD (R&B) Department was instructed to complete ongoing works at Machail, including the Yatri Bhawan and Tehsil Office, and to establish an effective queue management system for pilgrims.
The Health Department was directed to deploy medical teams at Gulabgarh and Machail with facilities for blood pressure and blood sugar testing. The DC also instructed officials to prepare duty rosters for doctors, ensure the availability of life-saving medicines and station ambulances at key locations, including near Dashni Gate.
The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited was directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at Machail with adequate backup arrangements, including generators.
Telecom service providers were asked to strengthen mobile connectivity along the Yatra route.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed that local residents should be given adequate time to perform rituals at the Machail Mata temple.
A Nasha Mukt awareness rally was also taken out at Machail under the ongoing 100-Days Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan. The rally included the display of awareness material.
The DC directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner to issue orders banning the use of intoxicants, drugs and non-vegetarian food during the Yatra period.
He also emphasised the need for a plastic-free Yatra and directed the BDO Paddar to ensure sanitation arrangements at Machail and Gulabgarh. The BDO was instructed to construct 25 toilets at Machail and maintain cleanliness across the pilgrimage route.
The administration further decided that only long-term langar organisations would be allowed to operate during the Yatra to ensure better management.
During the public darbar at Machail, the DC listened to grievances of local residents and resolved several issues on the spot. He also visited the Ishtiyari area, where residents raised various concerns. Sharma assured them that the district administration would extend all possible support.
SSP Naresh Singh separately reviewed the security plan and issued directions to police officers for the smooth, safe and orderly conduct of the pilgrimage.
Among others who accompanied the DC were Pawan Kotwal, Manoj Kumar, Neeraj Sharma, Vijay Bhagat, Vijay Gupta and Yudhvir Singh Kotwal.
