Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board reviews preparations for hassle-free pilgrimage ahead of Independence Day

Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) (India), August 6 (ANI): Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Anshul Garg, on Tuesday chaired a meeting with all stakeholders of the institution to assess the operational readiness of the shrine area and enable smooth pilgrimage ahead of the Independence Day celebrations in Katra.

The meeting was held at the Centre for Spiritual Development in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, it was decided that the main part of the Independence Day celebrations will be at the Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra where the Shrine Board CEO will unfurl the tricolour flag and pay tribute to the marchers from JKP, CRPF, Shrine Security, NCC and school children. Apart from this, the school children will also present a colourful cultural programme.

The Chairman also issued a series of directives to the concerned districts regarding vehicular movement, sanitation and access to drinking water and lighting of dark areas in Katra city and introduction of physical and systemic improvements wherever necessary after thorough analysis.

Focusing on smooth regulation of the Yatra as per the guidelines of Honorary Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), the CEO said that security measures need to be strengthened ahead of Independence Day celebrations. He stressed on the need for cooperation among stakeholders to create a solid security framework as per the requirements.

The CEO said that steps will be taken on various fronts in the coming days to ensure hassle-free pilgrimage. These include issuance and verification of RFID cards, effective crowd management, expansion of waiting areas on the track and in Katra town, development of congestion relief plans for the entire track, especially the Bhawan area, and round-the-clock surveillance through a dedicated CCTV network of over 700 cameras.

He also called on all stakeholders to be more vigilant to ensure that no pilgrim enters the pilgrimage route without a road check and valid registration.

The Director-General also reviewed various elements of crisis management measures and ordered regular announcement and implementation of joint patrols by stakeholders.

The Superintendent of Police, Katra, and the CRPF Commandant said that strict security arrangements would be made to ensure smooth and enthusiastic National Day celebrations and outlined a detailed security plan that would be implemented, along with deployment of QRTs (Quick Response Teams) and a multi-tiered security mesh comprising police, CRPF and other paramilitary forces.

The meeting was also attended by Additional Director General, Joint Director General, Deputy Director Generals, Assistant Director General of the shrine along with Sub-Divisional District Magistrate of Katra, Tehsildar of the shrine, SDPO KatraBhawan, Deputy Police Officers and officers of the Army and other intelligence agencies. (ANI)