DC Rajesh Kumar Shavan orders robust upkeep of civic amenities put in place for devotees

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan today asked stakeholder departments to keep a close tab on availability of civic amenities during Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2025. Hew asked SDM Paddar to closely monitor functioning of all essential facilities such as drinking water, washrooms, electricity, and other amenities here after taking feedback from a delegation comprising members of Shri Maa Chandi Sewak Sanstha and representatives from the Langar Association, who met him at his office chamber this afternoon.

The members apprised the DC about various issues observed by them during their recent visit to Machail village. The delegation underlined the need for repair and renovation of water facilities and washrooms, provision of separate washrooms for Langars, and proper maintenance of washrooms at Marail Snan Ghat, among others.

Taking note of the concerns, the DC directed the Executive Engineer, PHE, to establish a 24×7 control room at the district and Gulabgarh Tehsil level to address water supply-related issues. He further instructed to assign individual responsibilities to field employees to ensure regular monitoring and a smooth Yatra experience. 

He urged the members of the Sanstha to double-monitor these facilities for effective management. It is pertinent to mention that the District Administration has, this year, made provisions for more washrooms and Langar sheds at various locations.

Additionally, the DC reviewed the progress of Smart Washrooms- 10 being developed at Machail Bhawan and 12 others en- route from Gulabgarh to Machail. The DC assured full support from the district administration to the delegation of Shri Machail Mata Sewak Sanstha.

ADC Pawan Kotwal; ExEn PWD Ravinder Kumar; ExEn PHE Sunil Sharma, besides other officials were present on the occasion. Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, in a separate meeting, reviewed preparations for the Shri Mindhal Mata Yatra 2025. 

The review meeting focused on ensuring provision of essential services for the pilgrims. The DC issued directions for adequate arrangements at the Gauri Shankar Temple, Sarkoot and en route to the holy shrine. He instructed concerned departments to ensure availability of essential commodities, uninterrupted water and electricity supply and proper sanitation facilities for the devotees. 

The Executive Officer Municipal Council Kishtwar was directed to ensure cleanliness at the Gauri Shankar Mandir premises, while the Dy. SP Headquarters was asked to coordinate with Himachal Pradesh Police to ensure seamless and secure passage for the holy procession.

To maintain steady availability of supplies, SDM Paddar was assigned to monitor essential commodities daily. For effective crowd and vehicle movement, ARTO and Traffic Police authorities have been tasked with comprehensive traffic management along the Yatra route.

Additionally, the PMGSY, GREF and BRO have been directed to carry out timely road maintenance for safe and uninterrupted travel of pilgrims. The Holy Mace of Shri Mindhal Mata Yatra is scheduled to arrive at the Gauri Shankar Temple, Kishtwar on June 10, 2025.

The meeting was attended by ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal JKAS, CEO KDA Kishtwar Kaiser Bhawani, ACR Kishtwar Idrees lone, SDM Paddar Dr Amit Kumar, EO Municipality Kishtwar Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, Dy. Hqrs Dr. Ishan Gupta, Tehsildar Nagseni besides other senior officers and concerned staff.