Kullu gears up for Shrikhand yatra

Dipender Manta

Tribune News Service

Mandi, July 8

The district administration is geared up to ensure safe pilgrimage to Shrikhand Mahadev at 17,000 feet in the district. The pilgrimage will begin on July 16 and conclude on July 31.

To deal with traffic chaos and boost security arrangements, the district administration has sought extra police force. Three rescue posts will be set up on the way where the police, Home Guard and health staff will be available to provide emergency service to pilgrims.

The 35-km harsh track from Jaon ahead in Nirmand is not meant for infirm and weak-hearted. The trek ascends through the alpine meadows to a 72-foot rock called Shivlingam. Those suffering from high-altitude sickness should exercise extra caution.

It is suspected that during the pilgrimage, drug peddlers sell charas to mint the money. However, this time, the district administration has decided to crack down on such offenders.

Talking to The Tribune, Kullu Deputy Commissioner Yunus Khan said, “To deal with traffic chaos, we will develop additional parking places on the way. Small buses will be used to ferry pilgrims till the last point Jaon. From here, the pilgrimage will begin on foot towards Shrikhand Mahadev. We have sought the additional police force for the purpose.”

The DC stated that the use of plastic during the pilgrimage was prohibited and dhaba owners had been suggested to use leaf plates or other such means to serve food and eatables to visitors. The administration will keep a vigil on drug peddlers. The police have been directed to keep a check on such activity.

The DC said the sale of tobacco products would be banned. During the pilgrimage, locals set up stalls because a large number of people visit here to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. Due to high altitude and tough terrain, a fitness test for pilgrims was a must.

Chief Medical Officer Sushil Chander said the pilgrims were required to undergo medical fitness test in their cities. Otherwise, they would have to undergo the test at the base camp at Jaon.

To provide emergency medical services in the region, three medical teams will be deployed at the base camp and the middle of the way near Thachru and Parvati Baag.

Strict measures

• Three rescue posts will be set up on the way where the police, Home Guard and health staff will be available 
• Dhaba owners have been suggested to use leaf plates to serve food and eatables to visitors
• The police have been directed to keep a check on such activity.
• The sale of tobacco products will be banned