Chamba, August 19
Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal has directed that all necessary arrangements be completed in a timely manner to ensure a safe, well-organized, and convenient Shri Mani Mahesh Yatra 2026 for pilgrims. He was chairing a meeting regarding preparations for the Shri Mani Mahesh Yatra at the National Science Center classroom today. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of decisions taken in the previous meeting. He said that to strengthen security arrangements, NDRF and SDRF personnel will be deployed alongside the police.
The Deputy Commissioner said that during the Yatra, it should be ensured that pilgrims receive all necessary basic amenities, including drinking water, electricity, health, and toilets. He said that for better management, the entire Yatra area has been divided into various sectors, and satellite phones have been installed at various locations for communication.
He directed the ADM Bharmour to ensure that outside devotees traveling on the Parikrama Path via Kugti are not allowed to do so without permission. He also directed that strict action be taken against those consuming tobacco in public places, as per the rules.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the SDMs of Chamba, Salooni, and Bharmour to complete all the preparations related to the Yatra in their respective areas in time. He asked the SDM Salooni to keep the connecting roads smooth and to keep a special watch on the traffic system in view of the number of pilgrims coming from Bhaderwah and Doda in Jammu. He also directed the SDM Chamba to ensure proper arrangements for accommodation, drinking water, and accessible toilets for the pilgrims at Chaugan No. 1.
The Deputy Commissioner said that weather information should be periodically shared with all concerned officials during the journey. Police were instructed to make appropriate arrangements to manage the movement of horses and mules carrying essential supplies at night.
Presiding over the meeting, ADM Bharmour stated that all preparations for the pilgrimage have been nearly completed. He added that the road from Hadsar to the holy lake is being widened at necessary locations, and repairs to the road damaged by last year’s heavy rains have been completed. Public Works Department and police personnel will be deployed as needed. Separate routes will be provided for pedestrians and mules, and signboards will be installed at appropriate locations.
During the meeting, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jalam Singh Bhardwaj informed the Deputy Commissioner that seven health teams have been deployed to provide healthcare facilities during the pilgrimage. The teams have been provided with essential medicines, oxygen cylinders, and other necessary equipment.
