Kishtwar, July 25: The Shri Machail Mata Yatra commenced on Tuesday with the first batch of pilgrims setting off from Gulabgarh to the shrine.
On the first day, dignitaries, including ADGP Jammu Mukesh Singh-IPS, DIG Range Doda Kishtwar Ramban Sunil Gupta-IPS, along with Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr. Devansh Yadav IAS, SSP Kishtwar Khalil Ahmed Poswal-JKPS, SSP Ramban Mohita Sharma, ADC Kishtwar Inderjeet Singh Parihar, SDM Paddar Arun Kumar Badyal, BMO Paddar Dr. Anil Sharma, DDC Paddar Hari Krishan Chauhan, besides other officials of the Machail Mata Yatra cell, local PRIs, prominent socio-religious personalities, and Hundreds of devotees, paid obeisance on the auspicious occasion- first day of the pilgrimage at the Bhawan of Shree Machail Mata Ji. They prayed for peace, prosperity, and the development of the Union Territory.
Meanwhile, the ADGP meticulously reviewed and assessed the security arrangements made for the ongoing Yatra and provided necessary directions to ensure smooth conduct during this spiritual pilgrimage.
Emphasizing the safety arrangements done by J&K Police to the pilgrims, ADGP Jammu Mukesh Singh assured that comprehensive security measures have been meticulously put in place to ensure a hassle-free and safe pilgrimage for all the devotees this year. Besides, cut-off timings have been rationalized for the safety of pilgrims.
On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav apprised about various arrangements put in place this year for the convenience of the Yatris. These include providing adequate tents under the tent city at the Bhawan and accommodation facilities at Yatra Bhawan in Gulabgarh.
He informed that Yatri bhawan bookings will commence from today at Rs. 50 and Rs. 20 at Gulabgarh.
The DC also informed about the installation of a 30 KW solar power plant at Machail to illuminate the area and augment electricity supply, as well as the availability of helicopter services for the convenience of Yatris. Moreover, local food stalls and home stay facilities managed by local entrepreneurs have been arranged to cater to the needs of the pilgrims. Besides, mobile connectivity in the Bhawan and en route has been taken care of, and Micro ATMs have been installed at 6 designated points in the Paddar area.
To facilitate better access to information and services, the official website of Shri Machail Mata Yatra (shreemachailmatayatra.com) has been launched by Div Com Jammu, enabling Yatris to avail information about the 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. Pilgrims can easily contact the administration through this dedicated facility.
The commencement of the Shri Machail Ji Mata Yatra is a cherished occasion for all devotees, and the administration is dedicated to ensuring a spiritually enriching and safe experience for everyone partaking in this revered pilgrimage.
ADGP Jammu encouraged Yatris to have a pilgrimage without any inconvenience, abide by the guidelines set forth by the authorities, cooperate with the security personnel, and respect the sanctity of the pilgrimage site.
