CS Reviews Arrangements for Safe, Smooth Conduct of Machail Mata Yatra 2026
Srinagar, May 19 (PTK): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements for the smooth, safe and hassle-free conduct of the annual Machail Mata Yatra 2026 scheduled to commence in August in the mountainous region of Kishtwar district.
The meeting was attended by senior officers including the Additional Chief Secretary PWD, Principal Secretary Home, Director General Fire and Emergency Services, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, IGP Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, SSP Kishtwar, Managing Director JPDCL and other concerned officials.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed sanitation measures, drinking water supply, power arrangements, medical facilities, transport management and emergency response systems being put in place by various departments for the pilgrimage.
He also reviewed implementation of directions issued following last year’s disaster incident along the yatra route and assessed measures such as online and RFID-based registration systems, disaster mitigation initiatives, installation of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) for real-time weather monitoring and preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure pilgrim safety.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar informed the meeting that extensive accommodation arrangements are being made at Kishtwar headquarters, Gulabgarh, Chishoti and Machail, including government accommodations, private lodging facilities, homestays and tented accommodations. A dedicated tent city is also being established at Machail for pilgrims.
Special emphasis was laid on crowd management and real-time monitoring through 100 percent online registration and RFID-enabled tracking systems. The administration also discussed deployment of manpower at sensitive locations and coordination among departments for effective yatra management.
To improve pilgrim safety, landslide mitigation works and monitoring systems are being strengthened at vulnerable stretches along the route. Departments were directed to maintain strict vigilance and ensure immediate response to weather-related emergencies.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma briefed the meeting about traffic and transport management plans aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and timely restoration of road connectivity wherever required.
He also informed that designated parking areas, traffic regulation mechanisms and emergency access routes are being planned for efficient movement during the pilgrimage.
The Chief Secretary further reviewed medical preparedness, including establishment of medical camps, ambulance services, emergency response teams and first-aid facilities at key locations along the yatra route.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements related to communication facilities, uninterrupted electricity, sanitation and solid waste management, with directions issued to all departments to work in close coordination for efficient service delivery and environmental protection along the pilgrimage route.
Reiterating the administration’s commitment towards a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage, the Chief Secretary called for coordinated efforts from all stakeholder departments and agencies for successful conduct of the Machail Mata Yatra this year.(PTK)
