KATRA: The High Level Committee (HLC) framed by the Lt. Governor, JK-UT, also Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) held its third crucial meeting with Sangarsh Samiti members and other stakeholders. The committee, comprising Dr. Ashok Bhan and Suresh Sharma, Members of the SMVDSB, Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB aimed to address concerns and alleviate apprehensions regarding the Ropeway Project. This meeting follows two previous meetings held on May 9, 2023 and February 15, 2024.
The major concerns raised by the Sangarsh Samiti and other stakeholders centered around the sanctity of the traditional track and the livelihoods of people associated with shops, business establishments and services on the traditional track. A significant worry was the upcoming Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, with stakeholders urging for its termination at the InterModal Station (IMS) in Katra. They feared that extending the expressway up to Tarakote could severely impact local businesses in Katra town.
The HLC assured stakeholders of the Shrine Board's commitment to holistic development of Katra and the Shrine area, focusing particularly on the traditional track. They underscored that several projects have been completed and many more are in the pipeline aiming to boost pilgrimage and local economy. The key initiatives included the rejuvenation of the Banganga rivulet for enhancing its ecology and aesthetics through synchronized development and contiguous embankments. Besides, to further enrich the spiritual and aesthetic experience, the Shrine Board has been working on a project for introduction of Banganga Arti and Multimedia Laser Show at the rivulet's embankment.
The HLC also highlighted about the initiatives on the traditional track including construction of Shubhra Bhawan (a Yatri facilitation centre), Queue Complex at Darshani Deodi, Banganga and free mundan shop to facilitate the devotees in performing vital ritual of ‘Mundan Sanskar' of their child in a convenient and respectful manner,. The other social initiatives highlighted were development of five temples on Trikuta Hills Parikarma Marg and upcoming Shiv Khori Helipad.
The Committee reiterated that the ropeway project is expected to enhance the ease and comfort of pilgrims, thereby boosting the overall numbers. The committee also addressed concerns regarding the impact of the project on local businesses, assuring stakeholders that the reduced turnaround times for returning pilgrims would likely increase spending additional time in Katra town.
Dr. Bhan emphasized that the meeting demonstrated the committee's commitment to transparency, cooperation and fostering a collaborative environment for addressing the pressing matters at hand to ensure the development of Katra and the Shrine area while working closely with stakeholders. It was also decided that the consultation process shall continue with more rounds of discussions and any final decision shall be taken only after consulting all stakeholders.
Prominent members of the Sangarsh Samiti present in the meeting included Ajay Nanda, Vimal Indu, Sohan Singh, Ravi Nag, Karan Singh, Rajesh Sadotra, Raman Singh, Rajneesh, Sunil Sharma, Beli Ram, Jugal Kishore, Verinder Kesar and Surinder Sharma etc.
