Enhanced facilities spur influx of pilgrims to Machail Mata, this year figure crossed over one lakh: LG Sinha

Jammu: Taking an appraisal of the facilities extended to the pilgrims, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during his visit to Shri Chandi Mata Machail shrine in Kishtwar district on Friday said that enhanced facilities have spurred the influx of pilgrims and this year the figure has crossed more than one lakh.

“The resolve of the UT Administration to ensure smooth and seamless pilgrimage for the devotees,” Sinha reiterated while speaking on the measures taken to strengthen the infrastructure and facilities for Holy Machail Mata pilgrimage.

“Construction of road, solar power and tented accommodation for pilgrims has spurred the influx and this year’s figure has already crossed more than one lakh pilgrims,” he added.

Sinha expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for extending the support for survey, gemological studies of Sapphire mines.

“In next one year, we will be in a position to auction the Sapphire mines in a scientific way that will give a boost to the local economy and it will also become one of major contributors of growth of Jammu Kashmir,” he said.

Sinha paid obeisance at holy Mata Machail shrine and he was flanked by Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary Higher Education Department; Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu, Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor and Sunil Sharma, former Minister.

At Gulabgarh Paddar, the Lt Governor addressed the representatives of PRIs and the citizens and shared the efforts of the UT Administration for holistic development of Kishtwar.

He said the administration is committed to equitable development, meeting the needs of the communities and ensuring that no section of society is left behind.

“In the last three years we have taken many steps to address the concerns of people of Kishtwar, to expand employment opportunities and to improve connectivity in the rural areas,” the Lt Governor said.

Revival of Cinema theatre after the gap of three decades, better road and communication connectivity, augmented power infrastructure, better health, sports and education facilities are the testimony to our commitment towards transforming the standard of living of the people of the district, he said.

Addressing the issues put forth by PRIs and the locals, the Lt Governor assured time-bound and appropriate action on all public demands projected during the interaction. He also directed the Principal Secretaries Higher Education and Public Works (R&B) to take concrete measures, in consultation with all stakeholders, to address the concerning issue of their respective departments at the earliest.

The Lt Governor sought active participation of PRIs and the people in implementation of all the initiatives of the UT Administration to push forward the development of Kishtwar.

He also called upon the youth of the district to avail the benefits and incentives under homestay schemes of the government.

The Lt Governor also visited the Buddhist Gompa at Paddar, where he sought blessings of the Lord Buddha and interacted with the members of the Buddhist community.

“Buddhist community is an integral and equal part of our society. They have all the rights to the resources. Administration will provide all possible assistance for the all round growth and empowerment of the families,” the Lt Governor said.

Students of Government Degree College and Himalayan Cultural School Gulabgarh presented the Padari and Buddhist folk dance performances.

Dr. Devansh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar; PRI representatives, senior officers and locals in large numbers were also present on the occasion.
UNI