Kishtwar :: The District Administration Kishtwar, under the supervision of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and with execution led by the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, has announced comprehensive, technology-driven arrangements for the upcoming Shri Machail Mata Yatra, which commenced on the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi on April 14.
The yatra marks the ceremonial return of the revered deity from the winter abode at the house of Pehalwan Singh to the main shrine.
Addressing the media Saturday, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kishtwar, Pawan Kotwal extended greetings to devotees and outlined a series of new measures designed to ensure a safe, smooth and efficiently managed pilgrimage.
In a significant shift from previous years, the administration has made the entire registration process fully online and introduced a mandatory Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) system for all pilgrims.
The earlier hybrid system has been discontinued, and devotees must now register through the official portal before undertaking the journey. During registration, pilgrims are required to upload their photograph, mobile number, and address, after which a unique travel ID is generated. RFID cards will be issued at designated centers upon verification, and the administration has made it clear that the rule of “No RFID, No Darshan” will be strictly enforced throughout the yatra.
To enhance safety and oversight, a 24/7 control room has been established at the SDM Office in Gulabgarh, equipped with advanced surveillance systems. Sensitive and high-traffic locations along the route, including Chashoti, Hummori, intermediate stretches and the Darshani Gate are being continuously monitored.
Live surveillance feeds are accessible to senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar and the Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar, enabling real-time supervision and rapid response to any situation.
The administration has also deployed high-tech systems for crowd and traffic management, including AI-enabled video surveillance to monitor crowd density and public address systems for instant communication with pilgrims.
Vehicle movement from Gulabgarh to key yatra points is being strictly regulated and drivers have been instructed to adhere to all safety guidelines, particularly regarding passenger limits.
A dedicated communication network has been established to ensure uninterrupted connectivity along the route, independent of third-party telecom providers and compliant with Department of Telecommunications norms.
In addition, real-time weather alerts are being issued to help pilgrims plan their yatra safely and avoid potential risks.
Pilgrims have been instructed to wear their RFID cards visibly at all times during the journey and to return them at designated exit points, especially at Gulabgarh, after completing darshan.
The ADC emphasized that these initiatives represent a major step forward in ensuring pilgrim safety, improving operational efficiency and enabling real-time monitoring throughout the yatra.
The shrine has remained open to devotees since April 14 and pilgrims are encouraged to take part in the sacred journey and seek blessings under the enhanced management system.
