Manimahesh Yatra: Focus on safety, infrastructure push, disaster readiness

As the annual Manimahesh Yatra approaches, the Chamba district administration has taken decisive action to ensure public safety and disaster preparedness along the high-altitude pilgrimage route. Mukesh Repaswal, Deputy Commissioner and chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Chamba, has issued comprehensive instructions to various departments, directing them to complete all essential works by August 9, ahead of the yatra’s commencement on August 16.

The Manimahesh Yatra, a major religious event attracting lakhs of devotees every year, follows a challenging 13-km trek from Hadsar to the Manimahesh Dal Lake, located in a high-risk zone prone to landslides, flash floods and other natural hazards during the monsoon season.

During a recent inspection of the route on July 15, the Deputy Commissioner had found the pace of repairs and restoration works on the trek route to be sluggish.

To ramp up the activities, the DC has issued orders under Sections 30 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, mandating time-bound completion of all mitigation and preparedness efforts.

The instructions call for urgent slope stabilisation, track widening, footbridge safety audits, construction of an additional bridge over the Manimahesh stream at Dunali and the establishment of alternate mule routes to decongest the pilgrim path. Emphasis has been placed on the Tosh ki Ghot area, known for its vulnerability to landslides.

The executive engineer of Public Works Department, Bharmour, has been made personally responsible for completing all related infrastructure works within the stipulated timeframe. The Superintending Engineer, PWD, Chamba, will oversee the progress and deploy additional manpower if required to meet the deadlines.

Support departments have also been tasked with critical responsibilities. The Jal Shakti Department is to ensure clean drinking water supply along the route while electricity board has been tasked with establishing transformers and power lines up to Dhanchho.

The Health Department will deploy medical staff and set up emergency aid camps, while the Bharmour subdivision administration, including the ADM and the Manimahesh Trust, must ensure adequate sanitation facilities, including mobile toilets and waste disposal systems.

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Himachal Tribune