Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has geared up to make elaborate arrangements for the facilitation of pilgrims who are expected to visit the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi during ensuing Navratras beginning from 7th October.
In this connection, Ramesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Shrine Board visited the track and on the spot reviewed the arrangements and launched Special Sanitation Drive on the track, along the hill slopes, near the holy Banganga river.
He also inspected all the Bathing Ghats located on the Banganga rivulet and instructed for completing the desilting and renovation of Bathing Ghats. He reiterated his directions for making maximum use of pilgrim friendly technological interventions to promote protection of the environment and ensuring sanitation and perfect cleanliness in the Shrine area. This cleanliness drive is in addition to the normal sanitation activities of the shrine board which include maintaining sanitation along the entire track and various establishments.
The CEO also stressed on making the track plastic and polythene free and proposed use of biodegradable corn starch based polythene as a possible substitute for environmental preservation.
He also took stock of the arrangements at Yatra Registration Counters at Katra, Darshani Deodi, Banganga, Adhkuwari, Tarakote Marg and at other locations enroute Katra to Bhawan. These arrangements, interalia, include ensuring round the clock water and power supply all along the tracks leading to the Shrine, sanitization, medicare and availability of special “fast related” food at the catering outlets of the Shrine Board. He also reviewed the arrangements which have been put in place for ensuring enforcement of all the precautionary measures vis-à-vis COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.
CEO directed all officials, engineers and area and unit heads of the board to personally take stock of the arrangements on ground in their respective areas of responsibility on a daily basis and ensure sanitation and cleanliness besides other requisite arrangements including face-liftings. The CEO said, “We have to double our efforts to meet the rising expectations of pilgrims so that they go back with a pleasant experience and happy memories.”
The CEO also mentioned that like in the past, the Bhawan and the surrounding area will be beautifully decorated with flowers and colourful lights. Besides, there will be Bhajan and Bhaint performances by the renowned artists during Morning and Evening Atka Aarti. Other special features of these arrangements include organising Shat Chandi Maha Yagya at the holy shrine during the Navratras.
