Annual Machail Mata Yatra witnesses huge rush of devotees

Kishtwar : The 40 day Annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra, which started on 25th July 2022, is witnessing huge rush of devotees from across J&K and outside despite heavy rains.
This year the Yatra has been resumed after a 2 year gap due to COVID 19 pandemic and is expecting a huge footfall of the Pilgrims.
The Yatra started on 25th July with the ceremonial prathamPooja performed by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar (IAS) and Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar Ashok Sharma (JKAS) in presence of priests and scores of devotees.
Elaborate security arrangements and basic amenities have been put in place en-route by Police and Civil administration to ensure the smooth and hassle free conduct of Annual Yatra. A large number of police personnel and Medical and other staff have been deployed en-route the shrine to make the journey safe and en-cumbrance free.
The Health Department has been geared up to provide necessary health care facilities along-with staff of the Ayush Department during the Yatra period.
As many as 19 Medicare Health Booths and the Emergency health care facilities have been made available to augment the healthcare facilities in the PHCs and SCs en-route to the shrine.
Local administration has been entrusted with the work to ensure the sanitation and Hygiene in and around the langar sites for the convenience of the Yatries.
Comprehensive traffic management plan has been framed to provide the smooth transport facilities to the Yatries and timings have been fixed ahead of Kishtwar for Yatries.
Besides, paid Chopper facility has also been made available from GulabGarhPaddar to the Shrine for which booking centres have been established at Jammu, Udhampur, Kishtwar and GulabGarh.
In view of expected heavy footfall of Yatries this year and to ensure the safety of the pilgrims, the Registration facility has been put in place at GulabGarh Paddar besides the Nodal officers and Yatra Magistrates have been deployed for smooth conduct of Yatra in their respective jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, 54th Engineering Regiment,17 RR,118 RCC and companies of NHIDCL have completed establishment of 170 feet long Bailey Bridge at Kundail in a record time and was thrown open on 29th July for ease of the Yatries.
The District administration has established a 24*7 control room and the Emergency Numbers have been circulated through the hoardings installed en-route and the Yatries are informed to contact the administration in case of any need.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar informed that all the arrangements have been placed in and assured that devotees will not face any inconvenience during the Yatra.
Besides, he has appealed the Yatries to follow Covid appropriate Behaviour and guidelines to protect the serenity of nature and Sanctity of Shrine during the Yatra.