Chairs 73rd meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board
SMVDSB approves MOU for landslide risk mitigation along yatra route
Jammu, Dec 18: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 73rd meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Raj Bhawan, where several significant decisions were made to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience, streamline operations, and improve infrastructure.
The Board reviewed 25 key agenda items with far-reaching implications, ratified past decisions, and made new ones aimed at improving pilgrim services and shrine operations. Notably, the construction of the Exit Track from Durga Bhawan to Manokamna, a part of the Master Plan for the Bhawan area, was approved, along with the development of a helipad in collaboration with the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board in the village of Hutt at Katra.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated and dedicated several pilgrims-centric facilities. These included the Yatri Facilitation Centre at Katra Railway Station and the Yatri Facilitation cum Staff Accommodation Complex (Shubhra Bhawan) at Banganga, built at a cost of Rs. 6.50 crore. Shubhra Bhawan features modern amenities such as disaster management facilities, a waiting lounge, lactating mothers’ zone, souvenir shop, refreshment kiosks, and staff quarters. Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor laid the e-foundation stone for the new Exit Track at Bhawan, aimed at decongesting the area.
Furthermore, the Shrine Board launched new digital initiatives, including the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system and an AI-enabled Chatbot “Shakti” on the official website. The Panchang Calendar for 2025 and the Shrine Board’s diary were also released during the meeting.
The Board approved a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and THDC India Limited to address landslide risks along the Yatra route between Adhkuwari and Bhawan, improving the safety of pilgrims. To ease congestion near the Battery Car Point at Bhawan, the Board also approved the development of a dedicated parking facility for Battery Cars, which will be built atop a three-story structure opposite Parvati Bhawan.
Other decisions included the construction of new temples in District Reasi, reviewing the progress of the Medical College at Kakryal, and improving services such as the Jammu-Bhawan-Jammu Heli Service, Smart Lockers at Durga Bhawan, and Vishram Ghar near Ram Temple. The Board also gave directions for expanding health services, including Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Health ATMs, and enhancing facilities like Langar Sewa at Adhkuwari and Garbhjoon Aarti Darshan.
The Master Plan for the Sanjichhat Area was approved, focusing on improving accommodations, toilets, water points, food points, queue management, and the holding area. The CEO was tasked with exploring educational opportunities for employees working in the Kakryal area, where significant facilities like the hospital, university, and medical college have already been developed.
The Board appreciated the façade lighting project aimed at enhancing the Shrine’s aesthetics and ambiance. It also approved the revamping of lighting at the facade of the old Gufa in the Atka area, inside the three caves, and the sanctum sanctorum using LED and optic fiber lighting.
The Board approved an additional Grant-in-Aid to support the operation of peripheral institutions managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Charitable Society, including the Medical College, Hospital, Gurukul, Sports Complex, and College of Nursing.
The meeting also included a detailed review of the progress of ongoing projects, emphasizing the timely completion of critical infrastructure such as the New Vaishnavi Bhawan at Bhawan, Covered Holding Area at Adhkuwari, and Queue Complex at Darshani Deodi and Banganga. The Board reiterated its commitment to improving pilgrim services by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and the overall experience of visitors to the revered Shrine.
The meeting was attended by members of the Board, including Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Shri Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Shri Kul Bhushan Ahuja, Dr. Neelam Sareen, Shri K.K. Sharma, Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma, and Shri Raghu K. Mehta, as well as Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, and Anshul Garg, CEO of SMVDSB.
