Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Ramesh Kumar today chaired a meeting of District administration Kishtwar and other stakeholder departments to review the arrangements being put in place for smooth conduct of Annual Shri Machail Mata Yatra.
The Deputy Commissioner and concerned officers joined the meeting online, while Director Tourism, Vivekanand Rai; Deputy Director Planning, Munish Dutta; Chief Engineers of JPDCL, PWD, Superintending Engineers of PMGSY, Jal Shakti besides senior functionaries of Reliance, Airtel and other concerned officers attended the meeting in person. At the outset, the Divisional Commissioner inquired about the overall infrastructure development requirements. The Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar apprised him of progress achieved so far and future work plan.
While reviewing annual Yatra arrangements which generally start from July 25, it was informed that varied works have been identified for development of basic facilities, roads, power supply, buildings, improvement of communication services etc in the Shrine area and the en-route. The DC informed that the estimates of various works have been done and tenders would be floated within days for early start of required works.
The Div Com reviewed the status of roads and was informed that 66 KM Kishtwar to Gulabgarh (Padder) road was already there and another 21 KM PMGSY road will be completed from Gulabgarh Padder towards Machail Mata Bhawan by the end of June, 2023. He directed the Executive Engineer to expedite the pace of work and complete more length for smooth conduct of Yatra. Regarding the power supply facility, the DC Kishtwar informed that a dedicated genset was already in place for the Shrine area and a solar plant will be installed to cater the power requirements in the shrine.
The Div Com also instructed Chief Engineer JPDCL to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply was ensured during the Yatra days. Asking for the provision of dependable telecom services for the pilgrims, the Div Com stressed on the district administration to facilitate the work on installation of towers by telecom service companies, resolve land and power supply issues if any.
While reviewing the registration process, the Div Com stressed on developing a website portal/ mobile app for registrations of pilgrims and to provide the information related to Shri Chandi Mata Ji Machail Yatra. While reviewing sanitation facilities, the DC apprised the Div Com that temporary toilets would be constructed en-route well before the start of Yatra.
The Div Com also reviewed the health care facilities and stressed for provision of adequate medical staff en-route and in the Shrine for providing patient care during Yatra days. He also reviewed Development works executed for yatra and directed the concerned officers to expedite the pace of work for early completion. The Div Com instructed DC Kishtwar to visit the area and review the arrangements for smooth conduct of Yatra.
