Today, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha presided over the 72nd Board Meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Raj Bhawan.
The meeting witnessed the participation of esteemed Board Members including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Shri Kul Bhushan Ahuja, Shri Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Dr. Neelam Sareen, Shri K K Sharma, Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma, and Shri Raghu K. Mehta. Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, and Shri Anshul Garg, CEO of SMVDSB, were also in attendance.
During the session, the Board scrutinized the progress of previous decisions, advancements in various developmental projects, and engaged in extensive discussions on pilgrim facilitation. They ratified and provided in-principle approvals to 27 agenda items aimed at enhancing pilgrim services and ensuring the efficient functioning of the Board.
Major decisions taken during the meeting included the early initiation of heli-services in the Jammu-Panchhi sector and the establishment of a Medical College at Kakryal. Additionally, the construction of various buildings across different sectors to augment capacities was approved.
Recognizing the significance of a direct helicopter service between Jammu Airport and Panchhi Helipad on the Shrine track, the Board highlighted its potential to bolster emergency response capabilities and enhance the pilgrimage experience for devotees.
As the Chairman of SMVDSB, Lt. Governor Sinha reviewed the progress of ongoing projects and stressed the importance of timely completion for the convenience of pilgrims. Key projects discussed included the ‘New Vaishnavi Bhawan at the shrine’, ‘Cottages near Sports Stadium, Katra’, ‘Staff Quarters at Banganga’, ‘Covered Holding Area at Adhkuwari’, ‘Yatri Facilitation Centre at Railway Station, Katra’, and ‘New Yagyashala at Bhawan’.
Furthermore, the Board commended the initiation of the facade lighting project aimed at enhancing the aesthetics and ambience at Bhawan, Adhkuwari, and Darshani Deodi.
Several new projects were approved, including the ‘Construction of Exit Track at Bhawan’, ‘Remodelling of Manokamna Area at Bhawan’, and ‘Covered Waiting Area at Darshani Deodi, Banganga’.
Appreciating the CEO’s efforts towards the development of temples in and around Katra, Lt. Governor Sinha urged for an expansion of these initiatives to include the construction of new temples in district Reasi, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive plan.
The Board applauded the Greening initiatives undertaken by the CEO to improve biodiversity and ecological balance in the area, approving an elaborate ‘Annual Green Plan’ for 2024-25. Additionally, they proposed the initiation of aerial surveys and seed dispersal through helicopters to enhance environmental vibrancy in the Trikuta Hills.
Lastly, Lt. Governor Sinha emphasized the importance of establishing a robust pilgrim-feedback mechanism through conventional and innovative means to ensure continuous improvement in the services provided by the Board.
Earlier, CEO Shri Anshul Garg presented a detailed overview of the current status of various Shrine Board activities and the implementation of decisions from previous meetings.
