In view of Machail yatra pilgrim fatalities in Kishtwar cloudburst , the J&K government has imposed restrictions on annual Kaialsh Kund Yatra in the adjacent distrcit Doda this year and decided to allow the Yatra from the traditional route only with limited gathering.
The Doda district administration has imposed restrictions on the upcoming annual Kailash Yatra which is to begin from August 20, citing adverse weather conditions in the region. As per official orders, the Yatra scheduled to begin on August 20 will only be performed with the participation of Pujaris, Bajantaris, and official facilitators. No pilgrims will be allowed to proceed from the Kathua or Bhalessa routes this year.
The review was convened following the recent cloudburst at Padder’s Chisoti village, which underscored the urgent need for disaster preparedness and real-time departmental coordination. The meeting 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. The Deputy Commissioner stressed close coordination among civil and security agencies, particularly in view of unpredictable weather, to ensure pilgrim safety.
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.
The meeting discussed disaster preparedness, medical aid, traffic and crowd management, accommodation, and setting up control rooms along the route. The Deputy Commissioner directed departments to stay on high alert, ensure real-time weather monitoring, and deploy rescue teams at vulnerable points.Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, confirmed the development .He stated that the administration has taken the decision keeping in view the safety and security of devotees, as the higher reaches of Bhaderwah and adjoining areas are experiencing continuous rainfall, landslides, and slippery terrain.
Officials said that the traditional religious rituals will be conducted at the sacred Kailash Kund as per schedule, but restrictions on large-scale participation are essential to prevent any mishaps.The Kailash Yatra, which usually attracts thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and outside, is considered one of the most significant spiritual journeys in the Chenab Valley. The administration has appealed to the public to cooperate with safety measures.
Kailash kund Yatra in Bhaderwah starts every year in the month of Bhadu on Dwadshi Tethi in Krishan Paksh that is in ending dates of august or early days of September. This year in 2023, it is starting on 11th of September, 2023 from village Gatha previously known as Ghoshta having the ancient temple of Sh. Vasuki Naag Ji Maharaj.
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