Jammu, July 31 (FN Agency) The joint efforts of Indian Army and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) have completed the 170-feet Bailey-Bridge on Saturday for smooth facilitation of pilgrims to Machhail Yatra in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir. “The Engineering Regiment, Rashtriya Rifles and companies of NHIDCL have completed establishment of 170 feet long Bailey Bridge at Kundail in a record time and was thrown open for ease of the Yatries,” said an official.However, the Jammu-based Defence Spokesman, Lt Col Devender Anand, in a message, said, “On the request of District Administration, Kishtwar. Indian Army and NHIDCL Kishtwar jointly constructed 170 Feet long Bailey Bridge at Kundel. The bridge is now functional and open for Machhail Yatris. The Awaam and Yatris were grateful for constructing of the bridge in record time.”
The connectivity was washed away in the recent flash floods triggered due to heavy rains.Meanwhile, the government official said that the 40-day Annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra, which started on July 25, is witnessing a huge rush of devotees from across J&K and outside despite heavy rains. This year the Yatra has been resumed after a 2 year gap due to COVID 19 pandemic and is expecting a huge footfall of the Pilgrims. The Yatra started with the ceremonial pratham Pooja performed by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar Ashok Sharma in presence of priests and scores of devotees. Elaborate security arrangements and basic amenities have been put in place en-route to ensure the smooth and hassle free conduct of Annual Yatra. A large number of police personnel and Medical and other staff have been deployed en-route the shrine to make the journey safe and en-cumbrance free, he said.
The Health Department has been geared up to provide necessary health care facilities along-with staff of the Ayush Department during the Yatra period. As many as 19 Medicare Health Booths and the Emergency health care facilities have been made available to augment the healthcare facilities in the PHCs and SCs en-route to the shrine. He added that the local administration has been entrusted with the work to ensure the sanitation and Hygiene in and around the langar sites for the convenience of the Yatries. Comprehensive traffic management plan has been framed to provide the smooth transport facilities to the Yatries and timings have been fixed ahead of Kishtwar for Yatries. Besides, paid Chopper facility has also been made available from Gulab Garh Paddar to the Shrine for which booking centres have been established at Jammu, Udhampur, Kishtwar and Gulab Garh.In view of expected heavy footfall of Yatries this year and to ensure the safety of the pilgrims, the Registration facility has been put in place at Gulab Garh Paddar besides the Nodal officers and Yatra Magistrates have been deployed for smooth conduct of Yatra in their respective jurisdictions.