RailEnquiry

Jammu: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) held its 51st meeting at the Raj Bhawan here last evening under the chairmanship of Governor NN Vohra, who is also the chairman of the SMVDSB. The Board took a number of decisions to improve infrastructure for the yatra to the holy shrine.While approving the approach being followed to select a suitable partner to operate Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, as a multi-specialty hospital, the Board reiterated its principle direction that the facilities being provided for the pilgrims should be constantly reviewed and enlarged. The Board also approved the chairman’s decision for Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (a joint-venture of Government of India and Government of Uttar Pradesh) to prepare a detailed project for the stabilisation of Trikuta mountain slopes to prevent stones from falling and landslides, which cause injuries to pilgrims.The Board approved five vulnerable sites to be treated in the first phase to prevent “shooting stones”. It also approved the installation of a multi-purpose audio system along the entire track from Banganga to Bhawan to enhance the ambience and facilities for the pilgrims.The Board was informed about the high priority being given to improve infrastructure for the yatra, keeping in view the progressively increasing strength of the pilgrimage, which crossed the 1-crore mark last year. In this context, the Board was informed that works worth over Rs 100 crore were under implementation, including projects like Kalika Dham at Jammu, Aashirvad Complex at Katra, Parvati Complex at Bhawan, and Pony Shed at Bhawan.

To meet the projected increase in pressure on facilities consequent to the opening of railway link to Katra, the chairman has already directed the implementation of a number of activities. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) informed about the action initiated in this regard for creating more locker facilities, augmenting and upgrading of toilet complexes along the track and time-bound completion of the 7.4-km dedicated mule track between Katra and Adhkuwari.

While reviewing the progress of an emergency helipad at Panchhi, non-conventional energy projects at various locations, and the afforestation work carried out in the Shrine area, the Governor referred to the continuing focus on improving and conserving the environment, including greening of the Trikuta Hills through continuous plantation activities. To mark its silver jubilee celebrations, the Board also approved a proposal to adopt girls born (between 30-08-2011 and 30-08-2012) in the families of Board’s employees residing in the areas surrounding the Shrine and educate them on an assured basis. This scheme shall be over and above the existing scheme to provide financial assistance for the education of children of Baridar families.

The Board endorsed Dr Bloeria’s recommendations regarding improvement of health facilities along the track, including addition of two new dispensaries.

On the anvil

Multi-specialty hospital at Katra Two new dispensaries along the track Stabilisation of Trikuta mountain slopes Audio system along the entire track Kalika Dham at Jammu Aashirvad Complex at Katra Pony shed at Bhawan