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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at KATRA: In anticipation of the upcoming Chaitra Navratra, Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board undertook a comprehensive review of operational preparedness at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra underscoring the importance of unified efforts among all stakeholders and security agencies to manage the expected surge in pilgrim footfall during the nine-day festival to ensure a seamless and peaceful pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting the Holy Cave Shrine.
The meeting was attended by Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; SSP, Security; SSP, Reasi; Commandant, CRPF; Jt. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; SP, Katra; Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bhawan & Katra; Dy. CEO; Asstt. CEOs; Tehsildar; ACF SMVDSB; SDPO Katra & Bhawan and officers from Army, IB, CID, Fire Services, SMVDSB and other intelligence agencies.
Laying focus on the pilgrim safety and smooth regulation of Yatra as per the directions of Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), CEO emphasized for a robust security grid at all key sectors of the Shrine, complemented by real-time monitoring through CCTV cameras. These cameras will provide round-the-clock surveillance along the route from Katra to Bhawan, allowing for swift response to any situation. Additionally, appealed to pilgrims to wear a valid RFID card at all times before embarking on the Yatra, facilitating smooth access to various facilities and services during their journey.
The CEO stressed the importance of leveraging modern security gadgets during Navratras to ensure a safe and secure environment. These gadgets, acquired by the Board after last year's Joint Security Review (JSR) based on the Hon'ble Chairman's directions which include X-Ray Baggage Scanner, Door Frame Metal Detector, Hand Held Metal Detector and Under Vehicle Search Mirror to ensure a comprehensive security framework.
He directed the concerned quarters upon verification and census of pony porters so as to check any suspicious element on the track by the concerned agencies and extensive checking at different places of Katra for overcharging of fare.
The Chief Executive Officer also conducted a comprehensive review of disaster management measures, emphasizing firefighting, crowd management and preparedness to ensure prompt and effective responses in emergency situations. To bolster crowd management, the CEO directed the Disaster Management Task Force (DMTF) of the Shrine Board to monitor vulnerable areas and issue alerts. Furthermore, regular announcements and beat monitoring by joint stakeholder teams will be implemented at Bhawan to manage crowd congestion, identify holding areas and ensure seamless Yatra management.
The CEO instructed the stakeholders to ensure the availability of essential amenities including clean drinking water, uninterrupted power supply and sanitation facilities with proper disposal of waste besides regulation of vehicles on the track. Additionally, he emphasized the need for 24x7 emergency medical services to promptly address any medical emergencies.
Security agencies highlighted major challenges for the deployed security forces in coming days for managing the expected influx of pilgrims on Navratra. A detailed security grid was also presented by SSP Reasi and Commandant, CRPF, outlining measures such as Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and a Multi-Tier Security Grid comprising police, CRPF and paramilitary forces to safeguard Shrine area and pilgrims.
