STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar on Wednesday chaired a meeting to review the arrangement to be put in place for Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2026.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, SSP Kishtwar, Commandant SDRF, Director Tourism Jammu, Chief Engineers of PWD(R&B) Chenab Valley, JPDCL Jammu, Mechanical Engineer Department, Jal Shakti Jammu and PMGSY Jammu Director Health Services Jammu, Representatives of BSNL, Reliance JIO, Airtel and Director G-Max IT Services, Jammu besides other concerned officers. The Divisional Commissioner sought an overview of the plan of preparations made by the District Administration along the Yatra route and different aspects associated with the robust arrangements of the holy Yatra.
Threadbare discussions were held on registration of the Yatra on online and offline mode, exploring the introduction of RFID card facility for the yatris similar to the annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji Yatra, Yatra regulation, crowd management plan, accommodation arrangements, Sanitation, Power and Drinking water supply, Langar facilities, Medical and emergency services, heli services, Parking spots at designated areas with proper time slots for parking of Yatra Vehicles, Signages, Safety measures, Traffic management, enhancement of facilities, Development projects along the route and at the Holy Shrine, comprehensive Mobile connectivity and other necessary arrangements to ensure smooth and foolproof conduct of the Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2026. The Divisional Commissioner directed for deputing an officer for each Government accommodation ensuring the provision of facilities for yatris, and round the clock availability of Doctors, paramedical staff, medical equipment, medicines and ambulances for the yatra. The Div Com emphasized on preparing a meticulous plan for crowd management and releasing traffic in a highly regulated manner while earmarking the designated spots for parking of vehicles.
Underscoring the significance of strong and comprehensive mobile network coverage along the Yatra route, the Div Com issued strict directions to mobile service providers to enhance their infrastructure with low network coverage areas.
District administration was asked to install ample signages and safety guidelines for the convenience and safety of yatris. He also stressed on developing a mechanism for timely issuance of weather updates. Directions were also issued for identification of landslide prone and vulnerable stretches of the yatra track and availability of Generator Sets as backup.
The Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the progress made on development works at Machail and other areas along the Yatra track which included Yatri Niwas, Dormitories being developed by Tourism Department, Resting Sheds along the route and other important government projects taken up for enhancing facilities for the Yatris. The Div Com directed for completion of all the projects at the earliest. The District Administration was also asked to prepare an emergency situation plan and conduct mock drills of emergency response teams of District administration and the Police.
The Div Com directed the Heads of allied line departments to visit the spots of their respective works and ensure timely completion of all ongoing projects well before the commencement of the Annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2026.