Jammu, August 14: A Claudberst hit the Chashoti area in Kishtwar district on Thursday, which triggers a flash flood along the path of revered Sri Machel Mata Yatra.
The incident has expressed concern about the number and damage of potential casualties, which inspires fast action from the district administration, Union Minister and local MP Dr. Jitendra Singh, opposition leader and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma and with the supervision of local authorities.
According to the news agency-Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who also works as a member of Parliament for the region, said, “I have spoken to Deputy Commissioner Kishatwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, who received an immediate message from the leader of opposition Sanil Kumar Sharma.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed pain over the incident.
In a post in the office of X & K Lg, wrote, “Claudbers in Chosti Kishtwar. Prayers for condolences to bereaved families and quick recovery of injured.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and MLA Paddar-Nagaseni, Sunil Kumar Sharma, who is closely monitoring the situation, expressed his concern and commitment to support the affected area.
Sharma, who recently reviewed the system of Machel Mata Yatra 2025, emphasized the need for immediate action.
“Flash Flood in Chashoti, an important early point for Machal Mata Yatra is a tragic event. I have coordinated with the district administration to ensure that rescue operations are given priority and pilgrims and residents get all the necessary support,” Sharma said.
He also urged for increased safety measures along the travel route, especially in landslide areas such as Patronaki, to prevent future events.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Institute, Pankaj Kumar Sharma confirmed the seriousness of the situation, saying, “A flash flooded in the Kishti area in the Kishtwar, which is the initial point of the Machel Mata Yatra. Residents and pilgrims.”
The district administration has also ensured that medical facilities, including adequate medicines and doctors, are available at the medical booths designated along the travel route.
Mr. Machel Mata Yatra, which began from 25 July and will continue till 5 September, is an important pilgrimage, which attracts thousands of devotees to the Chandi Mata Temple in Machal, Paddar Valley.
Under the guidance of District Administration, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and supported by Machel Mata Yatra Sale, a smooth pilgrimage was placed in comprehensive arrangements including cleanliness, security and medical facilities to ensure experience.
Claudbers has disrupted the pilgrimage route, especially from the tauting to the motorized road and the later 8.5 km foot trek is affected to the pechel – (KNO)