SRINAGAR, May 19, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed arrangements for the annual Machail Mata Yatra in Kishtwar district to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage scheduled to commence in August this year.
According to an official spokesperson, the Chief Secretary chaired a high-level meeting to assess preparedness and review measures being put in place for hassle-free movement and safety of pilgrims during the Yatra.
During the meeting, Dulloo also reviewed the implementation of directions issued following last year’s devastating cloudburst along the pilgrimage route.
A cloudburst had struck Chisoti village — considered the gateway to the Machail Mata shrine — on August 14 last year, leaving 63 people, mostly devotees, dead, injuring several others and leaving around 30 persons missing.
Officials informed the meeting that several new safety and management measures are being introduced this year, including online and RFID-based registration systems, disaster mitigation initiatives, installation of Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), along with real-time weather alert systems.
Detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are also being prepared to ensure smooth movement and safety of pilgrims throughout the Yatra period.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar informed the meeting that elaborate accommodation arrangements are being made at multiple locations, including Kishtwar headquarters, Gulabgarh, Chishoti and Machail, to accommodate the expected rush of devotees.
Officials said government accommodations, private lodging facilities, homestays and tented facilities are being expanded, while a dedicated tent city is also being established at Machail for the convenience of pilgrims.
Special emphasis is being laid on crowd management and real-time monitoring of pilgrims through 100 per cent online registration and RFID-enabled tracking systems.
The meeting was also informed about plans for daily monitoring of pilgrim movement, deployment of adequate manpower at sensitive locations and enhanced coordination among departments for effective management of the Yatra.
To improve safety along the route, the administration is additionally undertaking landslide mitigation works and strengthening monitoring systems at vulnerable stretches.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma briefed the meeting about comprehensive traffic and transport management plans aimed at ensuring smooth vehicular movement and timely restoration of road connectivity whenever required.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed medical preparedness and emergency response arrangements for the pilgrimage.
Officials informed the meeting that medical camps, ambulance services, emergency response teams and first-aid facilities would be established at key locations along the Yatra route.
Adequate healthcare personnel and essential medicines are also being arranged to tackle any emergency during the pilgrimage.
Dulloo directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure efficient delivery of essential services while maintaining cleanliness and environmental protection along the pilgrimage route.
