DODA: Under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, the District Administration Doda today held a Google Meet to review preparations for the upcoming Kailash Yatra and assess the prevailing weather conditions.
Joining virtually from his office, the Deputy Commissioner issued directives to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the yatra, scheduled to begin from Bhaderwah on August 20, 2025. The meeting was convened in the wake of the recent cloudburst in Padder’s Chisoti village, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness and real-time departmental coordination.
The review was attended by Additional Commissioner Revenue Doda, ASP Bhaderwah, Tehsildars of Bhaderwah and Bhalla, SDPO Bhaderwah, BDO Bhaderwah, and representatives from the Police, CRPF, Forest Department, and other line departments. Emphasizing the need for close coordination among civil and security agencies, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of ensuring pilgrim safety amid unpredictable weather.
Representatives from Kailash Sewa Sang Trust, Kailash Langer Ganthak Ramtund, Chobia Langer Hayan Rish Dal, Ashapati Kailash Sewa Smiti, Vasuki Sewa Sang Chobia, Kailash Dal Development Committee, and J&K Dharmarth Trust also participated. The Deputy Commissioner acknowledged their role in providing langar facilities, logistics, and voluntary services.
Key discussions included disaster preparedness, medical aid, traffic and crowd management, accommodation, and the establishment of control rooms along the route. Departments were directed to remain on high alert, monitor weather conditions in real time, and deploy rescue teams at vulnerable locations. Stakeholders were urged to work in close coordination to ensure the yatra is conducted safely, peacefully, and in an environmentally responsible manner.
The Deputy Commissioner further instructed that the Kailash Yatra follow the traditional route strictly. He emphasized that langar sheds should not be set up near nallas or large drains, but only at safe locations to minimize risks from natural hazards. He also noted that discussions with the Deputy Commissioners of Udhampur and Kathua have resulted in limiting the number of yatris from these districts, considering route capacity, safety, and weather challenges.
