SRINAGAR, May 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed the arrangements for the annual Machail Mata yatra in Kishtwar district.
The yatra is scheduled to commence in August this year.
The chief secretary chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the safe and hassle-free conduct of the yatra, an official spokesman said.
He said Dulloo also reviewed the implementation of the directions issued in the aftermath of 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, leaving 63 people, mostly devotees, dead, injuring scores of others, and leaving around 30 people missing.
Dulloo was appraised in detail about the measures such as introduction of online and RFID-based registration systems, disaster mitigation initiatives, installation of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) for real-time weather alerts and development of detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at ensuring safety and smooth movement of pilgrims throughout the Yatra period.
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar apprised the meeting that elaborate accommodation arrangements are being made at various locations, including Kishtwar headquarters, Gulabgarh, Chishoti and Machail, to cater to the expected rush of devotees.
Government accommodations, private lodging facilities, homestays and tented accommodations are being augmented, while a dedicated tent city is also being established at Machail for the convenience of pilgrims.
Special emphasis was laid on crowd management and real-time monitoring of pilgrims through implementation of 100 percent online registration and RFIDenabled tracking mechanisms. The arrangements for daily monitoring of pilgrim movement, deployment of adequate manpower at sensitive points and strengthening coordination among departments for effective management of the Yatra were also detailed out by the Divisional Commissioner during this meeting.
To enhance pilgrim safety, the administration is also undertaking landslide mitigation measures and strengthening monitoring systems at vulnerable stretches along the route.
Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma informed about the comprehensive traffic and transport management plans prepared to ensure smooth vehicular movement and timely restoration of road connectivity, wherever required.
The chief secretary reviewed medical preparedness and emergency response arrangements for the Yatra. The meeting was informed that medical camps, ambulance services, emergency response teams and first-aid facilities would be established at key locations along the route.
Adequate healthcare personnel and essential medicines are also being arranged to meet any eventuality during the pilgrimage. Directions were issued to all departments to work in close coordination to ensure efficient delivery of essential services and maintain cleanliness and environmental protection along the pilgrimage route. (AGENCIES)
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