State Bureau, Jammu. After the devastation caused by cloud burst during the Machail Yatra in Kishtwar district in the month of August last year, this time the administration is going to take several precautionary steps to avoid any such disaster. This time, preparations are being made to give RIFD (Radio Frequency Identification) cards to the pilgrims on the lines of the devotees coming for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, so that the passengers can be immediately identified and traced.
Let us inform that on August 14, 2025, during the Machail Yatra, more than 60 devotees were killed and more than 100 people were injured in the flood caused by a cloudburst near the langar site in Chashoti area. In this disaster, many people went missing due to being buried under the debris, of whom no trace has been found till date. There was huge damage to property in this disaster and the rescue operation went on for a month.
On Wednesday, Chief Secretary Atal Dullu reviewed the disaster management preparedness of the Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation Department. He stressed on mandatory implementation of pre-monsoon preparations in all the districts of the state in view of floods and other weather-related disasters occurring during April to September.
He said that more incidents of disasters are recorded during this period. During this, he especially stressed the need to implement RIFD based management system for Machail Mata Yatra and creation of necessary supporting infrastructure on the Yatra route.
Emphasis on mock drill
Along with this, he stressed the need to organize regular mock drills on the Yatra of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and other pilgrimage sites. He directed that a comprehensive plan should be made to face disasters in the state through technology-based early warning system and continuous coordination between various agencies. In a roadmap, the Chief Secretary was given information about the experiences gained from recent weather events, post-disaster reviews and national level consultations held with institutions like National Disaster Management Authority, Meteorological Department.
What is RFID card?
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards are a small wireless technology. It contains a chip and antenna. It circulates data using radio waves. These cards are used for contactless identification, access control (such as office or hotel) and payments. These are automatically scanned when brought close to the 'reader'. It can easily track the devotees during the journey.
Chyawanprash is a part of every Indian's life, it reduces diseases and increases energy.