KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav today presided over a meeting of the line departments and socio-religious representatives to discuss and finalize the necessary arrangements for 3-day Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra set to commence from July 14, 2024.
The meeting was attended by SSP Abdul Qayoom; ADC Pawan Kotwal; ACR, Idrees Ahmed Lone; ACD Phulail Singh; AD Food/DIO Shafqat Keen; Vice Chairman Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Trust Sanjeev Parihar; President SD Sabha Kishtwar Surinder Sen, besides district heads of the line departments & police 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 Ashtadash Bhuja Mata Sarthal Devi Ji, will take place on June 14 and 15, 2024. The Shobha Yatra will commence from Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot at 2 PM on June 14, 2024, following the conclusion of the Hawan (religious ceremony) and Puran Aahuti (offering).
Emphasizing the importance of timely arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner urged the line departments to ensure that all necessary preparations are made ahead of time.
The SSP assured the meeting that foolproof security measures will be implemented, 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 for uninterrupted water supply, power supply, cleanliness/lime lining, healthcare facilities, provision of an ambulance with medical staff and necessary medicines, and the placement of fire tenders at Gauri Shankar Temple Sarkoot and Sarthal Devi temple for emergency response.
Furthermore, the ARTO was instructed to ensure an adequate number of vehicles with valid technical fitness certificates, as well as the preparation of alternative routes within the town to mitigate congestion and traffic.
The Assistant Commissioner Development and Municipal Council authorities were specifically tasked with organizing a mega cleanliness drive (Swachta Pakhwada) on June 10th and 11th, respectively around the Sarthal Temple, in addition to ensuring the upkeep of streets, lanes, and drains under their respective jurisdictions to guarantee the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
DC Kishtwar also directed the Municipal Department to conduct regular cleanliness drives around Gauri Shankar Temple Sarkoot for three months during the Yatra period. The initiative aims to provide a tranquil experience to the 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.
The ACD was entrusted with the responsibility of installing dustbins at the venue and taking appropriate measures to provide sanitary and toilet facilities at Bhawan.
The Deputy Commissioner 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.