40-day Machail yatra to begin from July 25

Tribune News Service

Jammu/Doda, July 10

Two premier helicopter carriers — Pawan Hans Ltd and Heritage Private Ltd — have been finalised for flying pilgrims to the holy shrine of Goddess Chandi nestled in the Himalayas of Padder during this year’s annual Machail Mata pilgrimage starting from July 25.

In this regard, the district administration of Kishtwar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Pawan Hans Ltd on Monday while the MoU with Heritage Private Ltd will be signed in the next couple of days.

“We have signed an MoU with Pawan Hans Ltd. The one-way helicopter (from Gulabgarh-Machail) fare has been fixed at Rs 2,200 for each pilgrim while the two-way journey will cost Rs 4,400 for each pilgrim,” Angrez Singh Rana, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner, told The Tribune.

Gulabgarh, the base camp of the yatra, is about 60 km from Kishtwar district headquarters and about 4 lakh pilgrims from different parts of the country visit the holy shrine of Goddess Chandi every year. For the first time in the history of Machail Yatra, the official duration of the pilgrimage has been increased to 40 days from the previous 30 days in view of the heavy rush of pilgrims.

The Deputy Commissioner said they had, for the first time, floated tenders for collection of garbage and installation of dustbins along the 38-km-long arduous route of the pilgrimage.

“Cleanliness is our primary focus. We have instructed all vendors to maintain cleanliness and will not allow anyone to throw garbage in the open. We are also ensuring that pilgrims get dustbins at appropriate places,” Rana said.

“We have floated tenders for outsourcing dustbins. Benches will also be placed to facilitate the pilgrims en route. The tenders are being opened in the next few days,” Rana added.

Chuni Lal Thakur, a senior member of the yatra committee, said, “Last year, over 3 lakh pilgrims across the country took part in the annual pilgrimage in Padder. We are hopeful that the number will go much higher this time.”