#JAMMU: Kirann Wattal, the convenor of the MATA KHEER BHAWANI JI YATRA WELFARE SOCIETY (MKBJYWS), announced today that all arrangements are in place for the annual pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Goddess Kheer Bhawani at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district, Kashmir.

The yatra will be held on June 12, with pooja starting on June 13.

During a press conference at the Press Club in Jammu, Wattal noted the significant increase in the number of yatris and urged devotees to hold their programs outside the temple premises due to limited space.

He praised the administration under LG Manoj Sinha for the phenomenal growth of the pilgrimage and expressed hope for continued efforts to ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.

Wattal highlighted the need for state-of-the-art tents, especially German Hangers, inside the temple premises for devotees\’ convenience and hoped that previous issues would be addressed this year.

 KISHTWAR: The District Administration Kishtwar has started the arrangements for the upcoming Annual Shree Hudh Mata Trisandhiya Yatra of Dachhan and Shree Singhasani Mata Yatra of Chittoo Paddar, starting on July 8 and July 2, 2024, respectively.

In this regard, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav on Wednesday chaired a joint meeting of line departments and the members of the Managing Committees of the Yatras to discuss the requirement of amenities and other logistics for the convenience of the pilgrims.

The meeting was attended by SSP Abdul Qayoom; CEO Kishtwar Development Authority Dr. Rishi Kumar Sharma; ACD Phulail Singh; AD FSC & CA Shafqat Hussain Keen and other concerned district officers, ExENs, and representatives of the respective Managing Committees.

The members of management committees projected various demands including the up-gradation of the infrastructure and availability of basic amenities like drinking water and uninterrupted power supply, shelters, sanitation and hygiene, transportation and security for the smooth conduct of the twin Yatras.

The management committee members also informed the chair about the dates of commencement of both Yatras and scheduled halts at various locations along the route up to the shrines.

Responding to the issues and needs, the Deputy Commissioner issued necessary directions to the concerned officers and Executive Engineers, asking them to make all arrangements and develop infrastructure at required locations for encumbrance-free pilgrimages, well before the start of the Yatra.

During the meeting, the SSP Kishtwar assured that comprehensive security arrangements and a fool proof traffic management plan will be put in place to ensure the convenience and safety of the pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.

The concerned Executive Engineers and Wildlife authorities assured that the repair work on the bridle paths and wooden bridges at required locations en route to the Bhawan of both Shrines will be completed on priority well ahead of the start of Yatra.

The CEO, Kishtwar Development Authority, assured that an adequate number of logistics will be made available at halt points, including at Shri Gori Shankar Mandir Sarkoot and other base camps during these Yatras to provide a spiritual and devotional experience to the pilgrims.

The KDA will make necessary arrangements for the cleanliness, decoration, and lighting of the Shri Gori Shankar Mandir premises to create a serene ambiance for Yatris during both Yatras.

JPDCL authorities were asked to install additional Hybrid Solar Units at the required halt points en route to the Shree Hudh Mata Yatra.

AD FSC&CA was instructed to ensure the accessibility and availability of ration and fuel in the depots for the convenience of Langar management committees.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was instructed to deploy doctors and paramedical staff during the entire progress of the Yatras.

Furthermore, directions were given for the deployment of the SDRF team at the base camps and Bhawans to ensure emergency response readiness.

The CEO, KDA, and the District Information Officer (DIO) were asked to seize the opportunity and promote the linkage between the Yatra and the tourism potential of these areas through hoardings at designated places.

The DC assured the management committee members that linking Yatra with tourism can be an effective way to promote the tourism destination and attract more visitors. He stressed the importance of identifying the tourist attractions and points of interest in and around the pilgrimage site. This can include historical sites, natural landmarks, cultural events, local markets, and recreational activities.

The Deputy Commissioner also stressed the development of informative materials and engaging content for social media that provide details about the pilgrimage site as well as the nearby tourist attractions.

During the meeting, the DC emphasised the coordinated and collaborative efforts of local administration and Management Committees for the smooth conduct of these Yatra.

#JAMMU: Sitting MP Jugal Kishore Sharma and Dr. Jitendra Singh retained his seats and secured a third consecutive victory in the Lok Sabha seat.

Sharma, who has been an MP since 2014, received 6,87,588 votes, defeating his closest competitor Raman Bhalla, Jammu and Kashmir Congress vice president, by a margin of 1,35,498 votes.

Bhalla, who had also lost to Sharma in the 2019 elections, garnered 5,52,090 votes.