NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 18(NVI): Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today presided over the 73rd meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Raj Bhawan, where he launched several significant initiatives aimed at improving the overall experience for pilgrims.
An official statement said that the meeting, attended by key board members and senior officials, saw the dedication of two major pilgrim-centric facilities—the ‘Shubhra Bhawan’ Yatri Facilitation cum Staff Accommodation Complex at Banganga and the Yatri Facilitation Centre at the Railway Station in Katra. These facilities are designed to provide enhanced comfort and convenience for pilgrims during their visit.
In a bid to reduce congestion around the Bhawan area, Shri Sinha also laid the e-foundation stone for a new Exit Track. This new track is part of a broader plan to decongest the Bhawan area, making the pilgrimage smoother and more manageable for thousands of visitors. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor launched several digital initiatives, including the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and the introduction of an AI-powered Chatbot “Shakti” on the official Shrine Board website, which is expected to provide real-time support and information to pilgrims.
During the meeting, a comprehensive review was conducted on the progress of various ongoing and upcoming projects. The Board approved several new plans aimed at addressing safety, infrastructure, and the overall pilgrim experience. One of the key approvals was the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Shrine Board, the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and THDC India Limited (THDCIL). This collaboration is focused on identifying and treating slopes vulnerable to landslides and rockfalls along the Yatra route, ensuring the safety of pilgrims as they navigate the mountainous terrain.
Addressing the persistent issue of congestion near the Battery Car Point at Bhawan, the Board approved the construction of a dedicated parking facility for Battery Cars, which will be located opposite Parvati Bhawan, atop a three-story structure. This infrastructure development is expected to streamline the movement of pilgrims and reduce crowding in the area.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing efforts to improve facilities across various sectors, including the development of a new Vaishnavi Bhawan at Bhawan, the expansion of accommodation at Sanjichhat, the creation of holding areas, and the construction of a Queue Complex at Darshani Deodi, Banganga, and Katra. A Master Plan for the Sanjichhat area was approved, addressing critical sectors such as accommodation, food points, water facilities, toilets, and queue management, all aimed at enhancing the pilgrim experience.
In addition to these developments, the Board discussed various ongoing health and safety projects, such as the establishment of a Hospital, University, and Medical College in Kakryal, which are part of the broader vision for the region’s sustainable growth and infrastructure development.
One of the noteworthy decisions was the approval of a façade lighting project, which will enhance the aesthetic appeal and ambiance of the Shrine. This will involve revamping the lighting at the façade of the old Gufa in the Atka area, the three caves, and the sanctum sanctorum using modern LED and optic fiber lighting techniques.
The meeting also addressed the need for educational support for employees associated with the Shrine Board’s peripheral institutions, including the Medical College, Hospital, and other educational facilities in the Kakryal area. The CEO of the Shrine Board was directed to explore modalities to meet the educational needs of these employees.
A key highlight of the meeting was the Board’s approval of an additional Grant-in-Aid for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Charitable Society, which will support the operations of peripheral institutions like the Medical College, Nursing College, Gurukul, Sports Complex, and College of Nursing.
Earlier in the meeting, Anshul Garg, CEO of the SMVDSB, gave a detailed presentation on the status of various ongoing projects, the decisions taken in previous meetings. (News Vibes of India)
