Jammu, Mar 06: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired the 74th meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Raj Bhawan.
The meeting was attended by Board members, including Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Dr. Neelam Sareen, K.K. Sharma, Suresh Kumar Sharma, and Raghu K. Mehta. Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, and Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SMVDSB, were also present.
During the meeting, a comprehensive review of the Board’s past decisions was conducted, and new resolutions were passed on 20 key agenda items. These decisions focused on the enhancement of pilgrim services and the overall functioning of the Board. Among the significant resolutions, the Board approved several new and ongoing projects, including the construction of an Exit Track and the remodeling of the Manokamana area at Bhawan, which is part of the Bhawan Master Plan. The Board also approved the development of a helipad in collaboration with the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board at Hutt village in Katra, as well as the construction of a new Vaishnavi Bhawan at Bhawan and Cottages near the Sports Stadium in Katra. Additional decisions included the widening of the Yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan and the operationalization of the Medical College at Kakryal.
To address the growing footfall at Bhairon Ji Temple following the installation of the Passenger Ropeway in 2019, the Board approved a redevelopment plan for the temple complex. This project aims to implement a more efficient queue management system, provide locker facilities, and add additional washrooms. The redevelopment is expected to reduce waiting times, streamline pilgrim movement, and improve the overall pilgrimage experience. The project is slated for completion within the next 12 months.
In an effort to resolve long-standing disputes with shop licensees, the Board introduced an amnesty scheme. This one-time opportunity aims to settle ongoing litigation matters and facilitate smoother operations for businesses within the temple complex.
The Board also reviewed and approved the Annual Green Plan for 2025-26, focusing on enhancing environmental sustainability. Lieutenant Governor Sinha directed the CEO of SMVDSB to assess the adequacy of existing Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) across the shrine’s premises and take necessary steps to increase their capacity. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to explore the increased use of renewable energy, particularly solar power, within the shrine area.
The Lieutenant Governor also stressed the importance of creating a robust feedback mechanism to continuously improve the services provided by the Shrine Board. He acknowledged the crucial contributions of Board members over the past three years and their proactive role in enhancing the Board’s reputation.
The meeting also included a review of the peripheral institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, such as the Gurukul, Hospital, Sports Complex, College of Nursing, and Medical College. Grants-in-aid were approved to support the functioning of these institutions.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine has seen a steady increase in pilgrim numbers, with the annual pilgrimage exceeding 90 lakh for the third consecutive year, reaching a record 95 lakh last year. This growth is largely attributed to the successful implementation of major infrastructure projects in and around the Bhawan area, including the Durga Bhawan, Skywalk, Parvati Bhawan, and Atka Area, as well as the expansion of facilities in Katra, such as the Queue Complex at Darshani Deodi and the YRC at the Railway Station.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated several new facilities, including the Queue Complex at Darshani Deodi and the Holding Area at Adhkuwari. The Queue Complex will provide shelter during all weather conditions, streamlining pilgrim movement, while the Holding Area will help reduce congestion, improve safety, and facilitate smoother pilgrim flow towards the sanctum sanctorum.
Additionally, the Board launched 50g and 100g silver coins featuring the inscription of Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. These coins, which join the previously launched gold and silver coins, are part of the shrine’s ongoing efforts to offer more facilities and services to pilgrims.
Key highlights:
• Approval of the construction of Exit Track and remodeling of Manokamana area at Bhawan as part of the Bhawan Master Plan
• Helipad development in collaboration with Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board at Hutt village, Katra
• New Vaishnavi Bhawan and Cottages near Katra’s Sports Stadium approved
• Widening of Yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan greenlit
• Medical College of the Shrine Board at Kakryal to be operationalized
• Amnesty scheme introduced to resolve long-standing disputes with shop licensees
• Annual Green Plan for 2025-26 gets nod
• Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) to be evaluated for capacity augmentation
