KATRA: The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Shrine Board, Anshul Garg expressed unwavering commitment to providing state of the art facilities and services to pilgrims visiting the holy shrine during his address after hoisting the Tricolour at Shrine Board's Sports Complex, Katra to commemorate the monumental occasion of 78th Independence Day.
CEO said that the Shrine Board has been developing and continually upgrading the pilgrim-centric facilities and in this context, efforts are being made to create various major infrastructure development projects already completed by the Shrine Board, ongoing and those in the pipeline. He underscored that completion of Durga Bhawan resulted in a substantial rise in the number of devotees opting to stay at the Bhawan enabling pilgrims to soak in the spiritual ambiance and experience the divine bliss. Besides, the construction of the new Vaishnavi Bhawan is progressing at a rapid pace and is expected to be completed by November next year, which will further enrich facilities for the devotees.
CEO exhorted that the construction of the Skywalk at Bhawan has led to immense improvement in Yatra management, ensuring a smoother and more convenient experience for pilgrims. Building on this success, the Shrine Board has taken another significant step towards enhancing Yatra regulation by commencing work on a 200m exit track, expected to be completed by next year. This new infrastructure will further streamline the exit process, reducing congestion and wait times for devotees at Bhawan, he added.
CEO also highlighted new Yagyashala facility at Bhawan, dedicated recently to the devotees by the Honâble Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, Chairman SMVDSB which will serve the religious needs of devotees and enhance spiritual practices at Bhawan.CEO also announced that the provision to perform Nav Chandi Path every Tuesday, shall be provided to devotees shortly. He also underscored developments enroute which include commencement of Garbhjoon Arti Darshan at Adhkuwari, benefiting 500 devotees daily and start of new Langar facility shortly in addition to Tarakote, Bharion Ji and Sanjichatt aligning with the Board's vision.
CEO asserted that the Yatra Facilitation Centre at the Railway Station is nearing completion which will streamline the process of obtaining RFID cards, significantly reducing waiting times for pilgrims. In addition, efforts are underway to enable self-generation of RFID cards through digital printing machines for further streamlining the Yatra process.CEO highlighted that to boost pilgrim-tourism, the Shrine Board is exploring new initiatives, including launching Helicopter Services from Katra to Shiv Khori in collaboration with Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB), with a new Helipad under construction. Additionally, the Board has planned to construct four temples along the 100 Km trek route of the Trikuta Parikrama Yatra.
These projects aim to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience and attract more devotees to the region. He assured that with the railway link between Udhampur and Banihal, poised to transform Katra, Vaishno Devi into a vital railway station as this will revolutionize connectivity, facilitating easier access for millions of pilgrims as well as tourists visiting the region.
CEO also made an appeal to the local community at Katra to join hands in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment in the town and to extend a warm gesture of hospitality towards pilgrims visiting the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji. Inspired by the spirit of "Har Ghar Tiranga", he encouraged the community to participate in the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign, aimed at promoting a green and clean environment in Katra.
Earlier, CEO took salute at an impressive march-past by the contingents drawn from J&K Police, CRPF, NCC Boys and Girls, Shrine Security Sahayaks, besides the students of various educational institutions. The students of various educational institutions presented a colorful scintillating cultural programme on this occasion based on the theme of patriotism and national integration. Anshul Garg also gave away cash prizes and appreciation to the outstanding staff of Shrine Board in different categories besides, to the students who were adjudged best in the march-past and presentation of cultural programme.
Among those present on the occasion were the Additional CEO; Jt. CEOs of the Shrine Board; SDM, Katra; SP, Katra; Commandant, 6th Bn. CRPF; Dy CEOs; Asstt. CEOs; Managers; Engineers and staff of the Shrine Board. Others who participated in the function included Members of Civil, Police and Security Forces, Prominent Citizens, Heads of various Educational Institutions, Media Persons, a large number of people of the area, teachers, and the school children.
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, Anshul Garg also hoisted the tricolour at the Central Office of the Shrine Board at Katra.
