* DIG, DC assess arrangements
Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, July 25: The annual Shri Machail Yatra commenced here today with religious fervour and gaiety.
On first day of the pilgrimage, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range, Shridhar Patil along with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav; SSP Kishtwar, Abdul Qayoom; ADC Kishtwar, Pawan Kotwal; CEO KDA, Dr Rishi Sharma; ACD Kishtwar, Phulail Singh; SDM Paddar, Dr. Amit Kumar; DDC Paddar, Hari Krishan Chauhan; AO DC Office, Satinder Kumar; BMO, Dr. Anil Sharma; Tehsildar, Manjeet Kumar; BDO Paddar, Sumit Kumar and other officials of Machail Yatra Cell, local PRIs, prominent socio-religious personalities and hundreds of devotees paid obeisance at the Bhawan of Shri Chandi Mata Ji and prayed for peace, prosperity and development in J&K.
Meanwhile, the DIG Patil along with DC Kishtwar and SSP Kishtwar reviewed and assessed the logistics and security arrangements made for the pilgrimage and issued necessary directions to the civil and Police administration to ensure smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
Interacting with the pilgrims DIG, DC and SSP assured that the administration has made comprehensive civil and security arrangements for hassle-free and safe pilgrimage.
The Deputy Commissioner apprised about various arrangements put in place this year for the convenience of pilgrims which include providing adequate lodging and boarding facilities at Yatri Sarai in Chandi Mata Bhawan in addition to the tent city at the Bhawan and accommodation facilities at Yatri Bhawan and Sapphire Guest House and Tent Houses opened for Yatris at Gulabgarh.
He informed that this year the trekking distance to Machail Bhawan has been reduced as the motorable road up to Chashoti has been opened with the joint efforts of PMGSY authorities and district administration.
“Now only a 3-4 hour journey on-foot remains for Yatris to reach the shrine,” Yadav maintained informing about various arrangements including power and water supply, sanitation and hygiene, Medicare facilities at various points as well as the availability of helicopter services for pilgrims.
He said that Langars at various points have been installed by devotees besides local food stalls and home stay facilities were also there by local entrepreneurs to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.
Similarly, mobile phone connectivity in the Bhawan and en-route has been taken care of.
This year a new initiative has been taken by administration spearheaded by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar to facilitate online registration and online donations for Yatris, in addition to better access to information and services on the official website of Shree Machail Mata Yatra (shreemachailmatayatra.com).
The website also enables Yatris to avail themselves of information about various facilities and to stay updated.
The administration has set up a control room to address any queries or provide assistance to pilgrims during their journey.
DC Kishtwar has appealed to Yatris to keep their Adhaar cards with them and carry their online or offline passes for a hassle-free journey.
DIG Patil has encouraged the pilgrims to complete the pilgrimage without any inconvenience and abide by the guidelines, cooperate with security personnel and respect the sanctity of the pilgrimage site.
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