Katra, June 24: In a significant development for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today presided over the 75th meeting of the Board at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra.
The meeting, which marked a historic milestone, saw the participation of the newly constituted Board members, including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin, and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Key officials, including Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, and Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, were also in attendance.
In his opening remarks, the Lieutenant Governor extended a warm welcome to the new members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, emphasizing the trust and responsibility entrusted to them.
“The Board plays a crucial role in managing the Shrine and preserving its spiritual and cultural heritage,” he said. He expressed confidence that the new members would contribute significantly to the Board’s initiatives and help elevate the Shrine’s stature. He also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of former Board members, commending their role in the decision-making processes during their tenure.
During the meeting, the Board conducted a comprehensive review of its previous decisions, ratified actions taken since the last meeting, and deliberated on 21 key agenda items. These decisions, according to the Board, have far-reaching implications for its functioning and the improvement of services for pilgrims.
Among the important decisions made, the Board focused on ongoing and new projects. These included the construction of an Exit Track and the remodelling of the Manokamna area at Bhawan, the development of a new helipad in Katra, a New Vaishnavi Bhawan, and cottages near the Sports Stadium in Katra. Other significant initiatives included widening the yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, operationalizing the Board’s Medical College at Kakryal, and enhancing services for pilgrims.
The Board also reviewed the status of the helipad project at Village Hutt, a joint venture with the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, being executed by the Border Roads Organization (BRO). While acknowledging delays and revisions, the Board expressed serious concern and instructed BRO to complete the project by October 2025. The helipad aims to improve the pilgrim experience by facilitating easier access to the Shiv Khori Shrine.
In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, the Board reviewed progress on renewable solar energy initiatives in the Shrine area. It directed the CEO of SMVDSB to present a comprehensive plan for key solar energy installations that could help reduce the Shrine’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the Board approved the establishment of a comprehensive sewerage network covering 100% of the establishments within the Shrine area to improve sanitation infrastructure.
The Lieutenant Governor also focused on the Yatri Feedback System, directing its expansion to include all services. “There will be monthly monitoring of feedback and active encouragement of pilgrim participation,” he said, emphasising the importance of continuous improvement in service delivery. The Board further directed the CEO to explore the possibility of engaging volunteers along the Yatra route to assist pilgrims with queries and offer guidance.
Ensuring the safety of pilgrims, the Board reviewed measures aimed at mitigating potential risks along the pilgrimage route. The Lieutenant Governor directed the identification of vulnerable spots, particularly those prone to landslides and shooting stones, and instructed the implementation of necessary safeguards to enhance the safety of devotees.
The Board also acknowledged the recent enhancements in security measures within the Shrine area, including the inauguration of an Integrated Command and Control Centre at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra, along with seven Sub-Control Centers. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring robust security and real-time crowd management, prioritizing the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
On the infrastructure front, the Board inaugurated several new facilities designed to improve the pilgrim experience. Among the projects launched were a Battery Car Parking stand at Bhawan to improve accessibility for elderly and disabled pilgrims, and a laminated glass shed outside the Cave area to facilitate smooth pilgrimage regulation in all weather conditions while preserving the area’s scenic beauty. Additionally, 300 Smart Lockers, located near the Skywalk area at Bhawan, were introduced to provide pilgrims with a secure storage solution for their belongings, using RFID technology.
Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated an additional dormitory block at the SMVD Gurukul, built at a cost of Rs 71.82 lakh. This new block increases the institution’s capacity by accommodating an additional 32 students, addressing the growing demand for student accommodation.
The Board also approved the dedication of five newly constructed temples in Reasi District to the public in July 2025. Furthermore, the Board granted approval for the construction of five new temples, ensuring that all future temples maintain a uniform architectural design reflecting the Shrine Board’s heritage and aesthetic standards.
Financial assistance was approved for various institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including the Gurukul, Hospital, Sports Complex, College of Nursing, and Medical College, to support their operations through grants-in-aid.
Earlier in the meeting, Anshul Garg, CEO of SMVDSB, delivered a detailed presentation on the various activities of the Shrine Board, including the implementation of decisions made during previous Board meetings.
