Over 1,000 Police, Home Guard Personnel to Be Deployed for Manimahesh Yatra 2026

Night-time movement restricted from Mehla and Hadsar to ensure pilgrim safety

Chamba, August 22: The district administration has put in place comprehensive security and communication arrangements for the Shri Manimahesh Yatra 2026, with the safety and convenience of pilgrims identified as the top priority.

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repswal, who chaired a meeting on security and communication arrangements, said a main communication control room would be established at the Bharmaur Sub-Divisional Headquarters to ensure effective coordination during the pilgrimage.

For pilgrim safety, movement beyond Mehla will be restricted from 11 pm to 4 am, while the route from Hadsar to the holy Dal Lake will remain closed for pilgrims from 7 pm to 4 am.

Superintendent of Police Vijay Kumar Saklani said around 1,000 police and Home Guard personnel are proposed to be deployed for the yatra. The route will be divided into sectors for effective security and crowd management, covering stretches from Kariya to Dharwala, Dharwala to Khadammukh, Khadammukh to Sawanpur, Sawanpur to Patti Nala, Patti Nala to Hadsar, Hadsar to Dhancho and Gauri Kund to Dal Lake. Alternative routes used by local residents will also be brought under the security arrangements.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed officials to ensure deployment of sector magistrates and volunteers, monitoring of pilgrims, regulated movement of heavy vehicles and availability of necessary equipment and machinery in vulnerable areas.

Repswal appealed to pilgrims to follow the prescribed timings, routes and safety guidelines and cooperate with the administration and police. He also advised devotees to remain cautious in view of weather and route conditions.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Amit Mehra, Assistant Commissioner Manmohan Singh, SDM Chirag Sharma, DSP Baldev Dutt and other departmental officers attended the meeting.

Samagra Sikhsha