STATE TIMES NEWS
KISHTWAR: District Development Commissioner, Ashok Sharma on Friday chaired a meeting of the concerned departments to review the arrangements for the conduct of Annual Yatra to Shri Machail Mata Shrine.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Kishori Lal Sharma; CEO KDA/SDM Chatroo Inderjeet Singh Parihar; ACR Varunjeet Singh Charak; ACD Atul Dutt Sharma; SDM Paddar Rishi Kumar, GM-NHIDCL, Chief Medical Officer, BDO Nagseni/Paddar, Executive Engineer PMGSY, Engineers of JPDCL, PWD, PMGSY, PHE besides other concerned officers.
At the outset, the DDC Kishtwar inquired about the infrastructure development requirements in the shrine area for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. He directed the concerned officers to initiate the process of the assessment so that required work was started immediately for timely completion.
The meeting was informed that in compliance with the High Court J&K Judgment, the District Administration Kishtwar has been entrusted to manage and conduct the Shri Machail Mata Yatra this year.
The DDC directed the concerned District officers to constitute a District level Committee which shall collaborate and co-ordinate for the effective management and smooth conduct of the Yatra.
While reviewing annual Yatra arrangements which generally start from July 25, it was enjoined upon all the departments to take up varied works for development of basic facilities, roads, power supply, accommodation etc in the Shrine area.
Instructions for identification of the places for establishment of langars, temporary toilets and medical Booths on the Yatra route and national highway were also issued.
Stressing on the timely completion of the PMGSY road to the shrine, the District Development Commissioner directed the concerned XEn to complete the project ahead of the commencement of Machail Mata Yatra.
He directed SDM Paddar to closely monitor the pace of progress on the said road and share the daily progress with his office.
Besides, XEn R&B was directed to ensure the up-gradation and maintenance of the bridle path to the shrine for the convenience of the pilgrims.
Concerned Officers were also asked to ensure the timely repair and up-gradation of the bridges along the route from Gulab Garh to Machail for the hassle free and safe movement of the pilgrims. He further asked to submit the technical guidance immediately so that the allotted works are taken up and completed in a time bound manner.
The Health Department was asked to make necessary arrangements for the establishment of the Health Booths at the designated places for the convenience of pilgrims.
The ARTO was directed to chalk out a comprehensive transport plan and also fix the passenger fare to keep check on overcharging by the transporters.
District Development Commissioner Kishtwar also asked for the constitution of a Technical Guidance Team at district level comprising the members from each department which shall work in a coordinated manner for the development of the infrastructure in the area.
Regarding the power supply facility, the JPDCL authorities were directed to restore the damaged 11 KV power line on priority basis.
Security and logistics arrangements for the smooth and safe conduct of the Holy Yatra were also reviewed during the meeting and necessary directions were given to the concerned officers.
