DC Kishtwar chairs meeting to finalize arrangements for Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra

Appeals local residents, pilgrims to uphold sanctity and environmental serenity of region by strictly adhering to government’s guidelines, including avoidance of plastic use

KISHTWAR, June 12: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav today presided over a meeting of line departments and religious representatives to discuss and finalize the necessary arrangements for the upcoming Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra.

The meeting was attended by ADC, Inderjeet Singh Parihar; ACR, Varunjeet Singh Charak; ACD/DPO, Sunil Bhutyal; Vice Chairman, Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Trust, Sanjeev Parihar; President of SD Sabha, Surinder Sen besides District heads of various line Departments and other religious representatives.

During the meeting, the Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Management Council informed the chair that the annual Sarthal Devi Yatra, in honor of Shri Ashtadashbhuja Mata Sarthal Devi Ji, will take place on June 26th and 27th, 2023. The Shobha Yatra will commence from Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot at 2 PM on June 26th, 2023, following the conclusion of the Hawan (religious ceremony) and Puran Aahuti (offering).

Emphasizing the importance of timely arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar urged the line departments to ensure that all necessary preparations are made ahead of time.

Police Authorities assured the meeting that foolproof security measures will be put in place, starting from the Gauri Shankar Mandir and extending along the route to Sarthal Mata Bhawan, on both days of the Yatra.

To ensure the successful conduct of the Yatra, the Deputy Commissioner directed all concerned line departments to make necessary arrangements, including uninterrupted water supply and provision of water tankers, power supply, installation of high mast lights at Sarthal Bhawan and other temples, provision of healthcare facilities at the specially established Medical Camp at Bhawan, provision of an ambulance with medical staff and allied medicines, and the placement of fire tenders for emergency response.

Furthermore, ARTO Kishtwar was instructed to ensure an adequate number of vehicles with valid technical fitness certificates, as well as the preparation traffic plan within the town to mitigate congestion and traffic.

Assistant Commissioner Development, District Panchayat Officer, and Municipal Council Authorities were specifically tasked with maintaining cleanliness and ensuring the upkeep of streets, lanes, and drains under their respective jurisdictions to guarantee the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

The Deputy commissioner Kishtwar also instructed the ACD Kishtwar to expedite the beautification of Sarkoot Pond before the Yatra. This initiative aims to safeguard and promote the historical water body in the Kishtwar area, providing a tranquil experience for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Gauri Shankar Mandir.

The executing agencies responsible for road maintenance were directed to conduct necessary repairs and upkeep on the roads from Hasti to Sarthal.

ACD Kishtwar was entrusted with the responsibility of installing dustbins at the venue and taking appropriate measures to provide sanitary and toilet facilities at Bhawan.

Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar appealed to both the local residents and pilgrims to uphold the Religious sanctity and environmental serenity of the region by strictly adhering to the government’s guidelines, including the avoidance of plastic usage.