Focusing on the safety of pilgrims, the district administration of Doda on Sunday while reviewing the arrangements for the upcoming Kailash Yatra decided to enhance the disaster preparedness and rescue teams in view of the recent loss of lives of Machail Mata pilgrims due to a cloudburst in Kishtwar.
The Kailash yatra is scheduled to begin on 20 August. It is a nearly 21-kms steep trek to the glacier fed lake where devotees pay obeisance during the annual yatra.
The meeting of the district administration was held at Doda under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh. The review meeting was held to ensure the smooth, safe & well-coordinated conduct of the sacred Kailash Yatra.
District administration Doda reviewed the arrangements & weather preparedness in wake of the recent cloudburst in the neighbouring Kishtwar district.
It was decided that the pilgrims will undertake the yatra from only the traditional route. The number of pilgrims from Udhampur and Kathua will be limited as a safety measure.
No Langar will be allowed near any vulnerable nullah or drain and such facilities will be set up at safe spots.
There will be enhanced coordination among civil, security & religious committees.
Officers of civil & security departments, including ACR Doda, ASP Bhaderwah, Tehsildars Bhaderwah & Bhalla, SDPO Bhaderwah, BDO Bhaderwah, Police, CRPF, Forest Department & others were present in the meeting.
Representatives of various religious bodies, including Kailash Sewa Sang Trust, Kailash Langer Ganthak Ramtund, Chobia Langer Hayan Rish Dal, Ashapati Kailash Sewa Smiti, Vasuki Sewa Sang Chobia, Kailash Dal Development Committee, J&K Dharmarth Trust also attended the meeting.