Governor inspects security arrangements and development projects along the track to the Holy Cave Shrine of
Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji

Lays foundation of Rs. 3.60 crore Parvati Bhawan

Katra, February 24 – The Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Board, Mr. N. N. Vohra, inspected the security arrangements from the Banganga entrance to the Holy Cave Shrine as well as various development projects which are located along the entire track to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. The security arrangements were reviewed in the presence of the Chief and the Additional Chief Executive Officers, DIG Udhampur, Commandant (CRPF), DC and SSP Reasi and all other concerned officers.

The chairman gave on-spot instructions regarding the tightening up of the security arrangements, immediate replacement of Baggage X-ray machines and urgent installation of a high capacity scanner to check building materials carried on mule backs etc. He also gave directions for the time-bound completion of some of the ongoing major schemes aimed at providing improved facilities for the Yatris.

The chairman, embarking on the day-long visit on foot from Darshani Deodi, took a detailed review of all aspects of the Yatra along the entire track.
The chairman, accompanied by his Principal Secretary and the Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Mr. Raj Kumar Goyal, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, and other senior officers, yesterday covered the entire track from Katra to Bhawan and back, inspecting the security arrangements and development works, taking stock of facilities for the pilgrims and issuing instructions at several places for bringing continuous improvement in these facilities. He interacted with the pilgrims and enquired from them about the arrangements made to facilitate their pilgrimage. The pilgrims expressed satisfaction over the arrangements.

The chairman stressed the need of long-term planning to continually upgrade, modernize and expand infrastructure and other amenities to meet the futuristic requirements of the pilgrims whose number is likely to progressively increase in the coming years when Katra gets directly connected by rail.

The Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, laid the foundation stone of the Rs. 3.60 crore four-storey Parvati Bhawan Complex at the Bhawan, which is planned to be constructed within a period of two years. This Complex is designed to have 140-beds capacity with a Bhojanalaya and Yatra Group Counter facility. The Bhojanalaya is planned to provide quality food to the pilgrims at an affordable price. He asked the authorities to complete this project within the stipulated period for the benefit of the pilgrims.

While reviewing the pace of work on the construction of Manokamana Bhawan Phase-II, the Governor directed the CEO of the Board to have the work expedited.

The Governor paid obeisance at the Sanctum Sanctorum and prayed for peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State. Earlier, at Darshani Deodi near Katra, the Governor took stock of the main access control system and the equipments installed for the security check. He issued instructions for re-locating the site for parking of mules, for effective disposal of mule dung and other pollutants. He also advised for devising effective maintenance of drainage system and taking other required measures for improving environment and ecology of the area. The Governor directed the cleaning of drains on daily basis and installation of dustbins at a regular distance of 20 to 30 metres along the track for improved cleanliness.
At Charan Paduka, the Governor inspected the Shri Gurukul Sanskrit Vidya Shiksha Kendra complex. He was briefed that the curriculum is being designed and the academic activities in this Gurukul are expected to commence from July this year. He stressed for timely putting in place the required logistics for its targeted commissioning and directed for proper landscaping of the complex, planting of shady trees, flowering bushes and grass to improve the ambience of the complex alongside the commencement of the classes. He also issued instructions for planting more shrubs and ornamental and flowering trees, besides providing steel benches in the Vatikas along the track.

On way to Jammu, the Governor reviewed the pace of work on the construction of a bridge over Jhajjar connecting the National Highway to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.

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