Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATRA: 76th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit at Shrine Board's Sports Complex Katra wherein Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board unfurled the tricolour and took salute of the impressive march past of contingents from J&K Police, CRPF, NCC, Shrine Enforcement & Security besides, the students of various educational institutions
Speaking on the occasion, CEO reiterated the Shrine Board's unwavering commitment to the welfare and facilitation of pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. He added that the Shrine Board has been tirelessly working to upgrade and expand the existing infrastructure to cater to the ever-increasing number of pilgrims visiting the shrine across the country and abroad. He exhorted that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine has witnessed a steady influx of devotees, with the annual pilgrimage exceeding 90 lakh for the third consecutive year. Last year yatra followed a similar trend and touched the mark of 95 lakh,” he remarked.
The CEO highlighted the significance of the upcoming Delhi-Srinagar train connectivity stating that it will establish Katra as a crucial transit station and is expected to further boost the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine. He underscored that in view of this development the Shrine Board has operationalised a Yatri Facilitation Centre at the Katra Railway Station for enabling pilgrims to complete their registration for the yatra conveniently, right from the railway station thereby enhancing their overall pilgrimage experience.
He also drew attention to the Shrine Board's ongoing efforts to enhance the traditional route to the Holy Shrine stating that major project, estimated at Rs. 20 crore is underway, which includes the development of a state-of-the-art Darshani Deodi Queue Complex designed to accommodate 1500 devotees to wait in all weather conditions. Besides, the completion of other mega projects in the Banganga sector including the 3-storey Shubhra Bhawan, upgraded track quality and drainage network, proposed Laser Light and Sound project with an aim to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience. CEO also highlighted key initiatives undertaken collaboratively by the Government of India and the Shrine Board to rejuvenate the Banganga rivulet for enhancing the rivulet's ecology and aesthetics through synchronized development and contiguous embankments.
A ₹25 crore new exit track inspired by the Skywalk aimed at decongesting the Bhawan area and New Vaishnavi Bhawan for enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience for devotees were also highlighted by the Chief Executive Officer. He also announced several new upcoming facilities including Battery Car Parking, Adhkuwari holding area, AI-based CCTV cameras on the track and a Command Control Centre during the upcoming Chaitra Navratras for enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience for devotees.
The CEO outlined ambitious plans to establish Katra as a regional hub, with several key projects underway including four temples along the Trikuta Hills Parikrama Marg and development of a helipad to improve connectivity to the Shiv Khori Shrine with an aim to boost tourism in the region. In addition, the Board's social support initiatives were spotlighted by the CEO including scholarships for Baridar families aiming to support the education and well-being of these families and the upcoming Medical College, a flagship project of the Board, promises to deliver high-quality healthcare services to the region. He also announced that the residents of Katra Town & all 41 villages falling in Sub-Division, Katra shall be provided priority darshan at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Bhawan on production of Aadhaar Card as valid address proof at Durga Bhawan.
Earlier, the students of various educational institutions presented a colorful scintillating cultural programme on the occasion featuring theme based presentations. The cultural items depicted, national integration, unity in diversity, harmony and composite culture of Jammu Kashmir UT besides featured patriotic songs and dance.CEO gave away cash prizes and appreciation to the outstanding staff of Shrine Board on the occasion in the categories of Ministerial, Catering, Accounts, general and best performing Unit besides, to Students who were adjudged best in the march-past and presentation of cultural programme.
Among those present on the occasion were Additional CEO, Jt CEO, Dy. CEO, , Asstt CEOs of the Shrine Board; SDM, Katra; Addl. SP, Katra; Commandant. CRPF; Managers, Engineers and staff of the Shrine Board. Others who participated in the function included Members of Hotel Association, Municipal Committee, Katra, Civil, Police and Security Forces Officers, Prominent Citizens, Heads of various Educational Institutions, Media Persons, a large number of people of the area, teachers, school children and the pilgrims. As part of the Republic Day celebrations, Anshul Garg, also hoisted the tricolour at the Central Office of the Shrine Board at Katra.
