In a significant development aimed at enhancing pilgrimage convenience, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, chairing the 72nd Board Meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Raj Bhawan, emphasized the early commencement of Heli-service between Jammu and the revered Vaishno Devi Shrine.
The meeting, attended by esteemed members including Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Kul Bhushan Ahuja, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Dr. Neelam Sareen, K K Sharma, Suresh Kumar Sharma, and Raghu K. Mehta, reviewed past decisions, developmental initiatives, and deliberated extensively on pilgrim facilitation.
Several crucial decisions were ratified and given in-principle approvals, totaling 27 agenda items, aimed at augmenting pilgrim services and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Board. Major decisions included the early launch of heli-service in the Jammu-Panchhi sector and the establishment of a Medical College at Kakryal.
Direct helicopter service between Jammu Airport and Panchhi Helipad on the Shrine track was highlighted as a measure to bolster emergency response capabilities and improve the pilgrimage experience for devotees.
Chairman of SMVDSB, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, emphasized the timely completion of ongoing projects to facilitate pilgrimage. Projects such as the ‘New Vaishnavi Bhawan at the Shrine’, ‘Cottages near Sports Stadium, Katra’, and ‘Staff Quarters at Banganga’ were reviewed for their progress.
The Board appreciated the facade lighting project aimed at enhancing the aesthetics and ambience at Bhawan, Adhkuwari, and Darshani Deodi. Approval was granted for various new projects, including the construction of an exit track at Bhawan, remodelling of Manokamna Area at Bhawan, and a covered waiting area at Darshani Deodi, Banganga. The Board also commended the CEO’s initiatives towards the development of temples in and around Katra under its social support initiatives. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha encouraged the expansion of this activity to include the construction of new temples in district Reasi and urged the CEO to present a comprehensive plan for consideration. Furthermore, the Board approved an elaborate Annual Green Plan for the year 2024-25, emphasizing environmental vibrancy in the Trikuta Hills region. The option of aerial survey and seed dispersal through helicopters was also proposed to improve biodiversity and ecological balance. The Lieutenant Governor stressed the importance of evolving a robust pilgrim-feedback mechanism to foster continuous improvement in services provided by the Board. Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB, presented a detailed status update on various activities of the Shrine Board and the action taken for the implementation of previous decisions of the Board. The decisions taken in the meeting are expected to significantly enhance the pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine, marking a milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve pilgrim facilities and services.
