Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Apr 12: During their two-day visit to Paddar and a meeting at Gulabgarh along with a public meeting at Machail, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma along with SSP Kishtwar, Naresh Singh reviewed arrangements for the forthcoming Machail Mata Yatra-2026 scheduled to commence on April 14 and is expected to witness the participation of lakhs of devotees.
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During visit, the DC first held a meeting at Gulabgarh to review the preparedness of the concerned departments. He then proceeded to Machail and conducted an on-ground inspection. The DC reviewed the progress of ongoing infrastructure works with particular focus on road connectivity, bridge construction and other basic facilities.
The DC also emphasized the use of RFID cards for the first time this year and directed that the RFID-based tracking system be made fully operational before the start of the Yatra.
He directed the Police Department to strengthen security arrangements, including the deployment of additional personnel, installation of surveillance systems and establishment of checkpoints along the Yatra route to maintain law and order.
The PWD (R&B) Department was directed to complete ongoing works at Machail, including the Yatri Bhawan and Tehsil Office and to put in place an effective queue management system for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
Telecom service providers were directed to strengthen mobile connectivity along the Yatra route.
Meanwhile, a Nasha Mukt awareness rally, with display of IEC material, was also carried out at Machail as part of the ongoing 100-Days Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan launched by the J&K LG.
During the public meeting at Machail, the Deputy Commissioner listened to the grievances of the people and provided on-the-spot redressal wherever needed.
During visit, SSP Kishtwar, Naresh Singh conducted a comprehensive and detailed review of the security arrangements and issued necessary directions to the concerned Police officers to ensure the smooth, safe, and orderly conduct of the pilgrimage.
The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by ADC Kishtwar, Pawan Kotwal, ACD Kishtwar, Manoj Kumar, ACP Kishtwar, Neeraj Sharma, SDPO Paddar, Dr. Vijay Bhagat, Tehsildar Paddar, Vijay Gupta, CMO Kishtwar, Dr. Yudhvir Singh Kotwal, BDO Paddar, BMO Paddar, Incharge Machail Cell and other officers and concerned staff.
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