Doda, August 19: Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh (IAS) on Tuesday interacted with the media and outlined the arrangements and precautionary measures for the upcoming Kailash Yatra 2025, scheduled from August 20 to 22 in Bhaderwah.
Placing safety and security of devotees as the topmost priority, the Deputy Commissioner explained that a series of restrictions had been enforced in view of the recent cloudburst incidents in Padder and Kathua and the ongoing spell of inclement weather across the region.
Restrictions and Route Advisory
This year, the administration has decided not to permit women and children to take part in the Yatra, citing safety concerns. The Chattergala route has been closed to pilgrims due to its vulnerability to flash floods and unsafe terrain.
Instead, the Yatra will proceed only via the traditional routes — Sungli, Nalthi, and Drafda (Bhalla). The sacred Charri Mubarak will be carried along with a designated group of yatris for a symbolic Yatra, ensuring that religious rituals are performed in their traditional form.
Administrative Preparedness
The District Administration has finalized a comprehensive deployment plan, covering duty officials at key locations, medical and disaster response teams, provision of water and shelter, reliable communication systems, and strengthened security arrangements.
Every participant will be required to carry a valid ID card issued by the administration. The DC further informed that after three rounds of consultations with stakeholders, the decision was reached to conduct the pilgrimage in a symbolic format for this year.
Appeal to Devotees
Urging devotees to extend their cooperation, DC Harvinder Singh said that the guidelines have been framed purely for their own safety. “The administration, police, health, and disaster management teams are fully committed to ensuring that the Kailash Yatra is conducted in a safe, smooth, and spiritually fulfilling manner,” he assured.
Thus, the Kailash Yatra 2025 will be observed in a safe and symbolic way, balancing age-old devotion with modern-day safety imperatives.