In view of forthcoming annual Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2026, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma along with the SSP Naresh Singh conducted a comprehensive review of arrangements during their two-day visit to Paddar, including a meeting at Gulabgarh and a public darbar at Machail.The Yatra is scheduled to commence on April 14, 2026 and is expected to witness the participation of lakhs of devotees.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner convened a meeting at Gulabgarh to review the preparedness of the stakeholder departments. Later, the team proceeded to Machail, where the DC conducted an on-ground inspection and convened a public outreach camp.The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress of ongoing development works, with focus on road connectivity, bridge construction and creation of basic facilities.He directed the concerned departments to ensure adequate provision of basic amenities, including drinking water, electricity supply, sanitation facilities and healthcare services, for the convenience and safety of pilgrims.The DC also informed this year the administration would issue RFID cards and the RFID-based tracking system shall be made fully operational before the start of the Yatra, noting that more than 90% of the work for the same has been completed.
He further stressed the need to create awareness among pilgrims regarding the usage of such cards for effective crowd management and security.The Deputy Commissioner directed the Police Department to strengthen security arrangements with additional deployment of personnel, installation of surveillance systems and establishment of checkpoints along the Yatra route.
He directed the BRO to construct a temporary Bailey bridge at Village Chishoti on the Atholi–Machail Road for better connectivity, as the previous bridge was washed away in last year’s cloudburst. He informed that the work on the permanent bridge shall be taken up subsequently by the BRO.The PMGSY Department was directed to expedite work on the Atholi–Pallali Road and speed up the construction of the Massu Bridge to improve connectivity.The PWD (R&B) Department was directed to complete ongoing works at Machail, including the Yatri Bhawan and Tehsil Office and to put in place an effective queue management system for the smooth conduct of the Yatra.The Health Department was directed to deploy medical teams at both Gulabgarh and Machail, equipped with essential diagnostic facilities such as blood pressure and blood sugar testing. He also instructed for issuing duty rosters for doctors, ensuring the availability of life-saving drugs at Machail and the deployment of ambulances at strategic locations, including near Dashni Gate, to handle emergencies.
The JPDCL was directed to make concrete arrangements for uninterrupted power supply at Machail with adequate backup arrangements, including generators at critical locations.Telecom service providers were directed to strengthen mobile connectivity along the Yatra route for the convenience of pilgrims.The Deputy Commissioner also directed that locals be given adequate time to perform the necessary rituals at the Machail Mata Temple. Meanwhile, a Nasha Mukt awareness rally, with display of IEC material, was also taken out at Machail under the ongoing 100-Days Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan launched by the LG.
The DC directed the ADC to issue an order imposing a ban on intoxication, including the consumption or use of any kind of drugs or intoxicating substances, as well as non-vegetarian food, during the sacred Shri Machail Mata Yatra.
The DC stressed on ensuring plastic-free Yatra and directed the BDO Paddar to ensure proper sanitation arrangements at Machail and Gulabgarh. He also instructed for construction of 25 toilets at Machail on already identified land to facilitate pilgrims.
He directed BDO Paddar to maintain cleanliness across the Yatra route and ensure that the entire area remains a plastic-free zone until the culmination of the Yatra period. It was further directed that only long-term langar seva organizations be permitted during the Yatra to ensure better regulation and management. Emphasizing coordinated efforts, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the safety, comfort and security of pilgrims shall remain the top priority. During the public outreach camp at Machail, the Deputy Commissioner listened to the grievances of the people and provided on-the-spot redressal wherever needed. He also issued necessary directions to the concerned departments for prompt further action.
The Deputy Commissioner also visited the Ishtiyari area, where local residents raised several grievances. After patiently listening to their concerns, the Deputy Commissioner assured that all possible support would be extended by the District Administration Kishtwar.During the visit, the Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh also conducted a comprehensive and detailed review of the security arrangements and issued necessary directions to the concerned police officers for smooth, safe and orderly conduct of the pilgrimage.ADC Pawan Kotwal, ACD Manoj Kumar, ACP Neeraj Sharma, SDPO Paddar Dr. Vijay Bhagat, Tehsildar Paddar Vijay Gupta, CMO Dr. Yudhvir Singh Kotwal, BDO Paddar, BMO Paddar, Incharge Machail Cell and other officers and concerned staff also accompanied the DC.