Mahinder Patyal
Bharmour
A meeting of the Shri Manimahesh Trust was held at the Sub-Divisional Headquarters Bharmour to review preparations for the upcoming Shri Manimahesh Yatra 2026. The meeting was chaired by Mukesh Repswal, Deputy Commissioner Chamba and Trust Chairman, in the conference hall of the Mini Secretariat Bharmour.
Dr. Janak Raj, MLA Bharmour–Pangi constituency, was present as a special invitee.
DC Repswal directed all concerned departments, langar committees, shopkeepers, and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He emphasized scientific management of plastic waste, minimizing single-use plastics, and implementing effective waste management systems to ensure the pilgrimage route remains clean, safe, and eco-friendly.
It was decided that online registration and slot booking for pilgrims will begin on August 1, 2026 through the official website www.manimaheshyatra.hp.gov.in. Initially, slots will be capped at 5,000 pilgrims per day, similar to the Amarnath Yatra model. Numbers may be increased on special occasions like Krishna Janmashtami and Radhashtami, depending on weather and security conditions.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for drinking water, sanitation, medical facilities, electricity, communication, and cleanliness along the Bharmour–Manimahesh route.
Key directives included:
- Roads & Infrastructure: PWD and NHAI were instructed to restore NH‑154A and all damaged roads from Bharmour to Hadsar on priority. Debris clearance, culvert and retaining wall repairs, and installation of parapets and signage must be completed by August 15.
- Water Supply: The Jal Shakti Department was tasked with repairing pipelines, tanks, and sources at Dhancho, Gauri Kund, and Manimahesh Lake. Temporary storage tanks will be set up to ensure clean drinking water at every halt.
- Sanitation: Adequate water supply near toilets must be ensured.
- Traffic & Security: Additional police deployment will regulate traffic on the Bharmour–Hadsar route. Heavy vehicles will be restricted during the fair, and designated parking areas must be used. Drone surveillance will monitor security, traffic, and crowd management.
The meeting was attended by ADM Bharmour Vikas Sharma, SDM Bharmour Ajay Kumar, DFO Wildlife Chamba Nawnath Shivaji Mane, SE NHAI Shashi Chandel, EE Jal Shakti Vijay Nag, AE Jal Shakti Vivek Chandel, AE PWD Sanjeev Sharma, BDO Bharmour Sanjay Verma, BMO Bharmour Dr. Dipesh Baral, Sub-Divisional Ayurvedic Officer Dr. Rajesh Kumar, SHO Bharmour Babu Ram, along with Gram Panchayat heads Tanuja Devi (Sanchui), Rashmi Devi (Hadsar), Reena Kumari (Kugti), and Trade Association President Mahinder Patial among others.
