Kishtwar Prepares for Record-Breaking Shree Machail Mata Ji Yatra 2025: Infrastructure Upgrades Underway
Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir – May 1, 2025 – Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Shavan (JKAS), today spearheaded a crucial review meeting to ensure all arrangements are in place for the highly anticipated Shree Machail Mata Ji Yatra 2025. With expectations soaring for a record number of devotees, the administration is focused on enhancing infrastructure and logistics to provide a seamless pilgrimage experience.
A key focus of the meeting was the swift completion of vital infrastructure projects. The DC emphasized the urgency of finishing the Yatri Bhawan by the first week of June. Alongside this, the renovation of sanitary complexes and the overall development of the area surrounding the Bhawan are being prioritized to cater to the comfort and convenience of pilgrims. Ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted power supply and water supply throughout the Yatra period also received significant attention.
Discussions also centered on crucial logistical aspects, including boarding and lodging arrangements for the anticipated surge in pilgrims. Security preparedness was a paramount concern, with officials reviewing comprehensive plans to ensure the safety of all visitors. The development and maintenance of the road and bridge infrastructure along the Gulabgarh to Machail route are being expedited to facilitate smooth travel. Furthermore, strengthening telecom connectivity in the region is underway to keep pilgrims connected.
DC Kishtwar directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Paddar to initiate a proactive awareness campaign targeting local hotel and paying guest house owners. The campaign will emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and offering modern amenities to the visiting devotees, ensuring a positive experience during their stay.
Anticipating an unprecedented influx of pilgrims, the DC announced that over 1 million pilgrims are expected for the Shree Machail Mata Ji Yatra 2025. This marks a significant increase from the approximately 3 lakh pilgrims who visited last year. To achieve this milestone, a comprehensive promotion strategy has been launched to raise awareness about the sacred Yatra and attract devotees from across the country. The importance of coordinated planning among all involved departments was strongly emphasized.
Earlier in the day, acknowledging the crucial role of road connectivity, the DC instructed the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) (OG GREF) to prioritize improvements on the Kishtwar-Paddar road stretch, ensuring smooth and safe vehicular movement for the pilgrims.
Representatives from the Sarv Shakti Sewak Sanstha actively participated in the meeting, sharing valuable insights and raising concerns related to the Yatra arrangements. The DC attentively addressed their concerns and assured them of complete administrative support throughout the pilgrimage.
The review meeting witnessed the presence of key administrative figures, including Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal, Program Officer (PO) ICDS Rishi Kumar Sharma, SDM Paddar Dr. Amit Kumar, Tehsildar Paddar, dedicated members of the Sarv Shakti Sewak Sanstha and Sanatan Dharma Sabha, the respected Head Priest (Baba Ji) of Shri Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot, concerned contractors, and other essential officials, all working collaboratively to ensure the success of the Shree Machail Mata Ji Yatra 2025.