The 9th Board meeting of Shiv Khori Shrine Board was convened under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr Pawan Kotwal here today.Minister of State for Finance, Ajay Nanda was the special invitee in the meeting.The meeting held comprehensive review of the ongoing developmental activities in the area to provide better amenities to the devotees. Members also took appraisal of the status of decisions taken in the last board meeting.The Board gave approval for construction of new yatra registration counters at new bus stand Ransoo, laying of lease line to provide better connectivity and broadband services at Gouri Bhavan, installation of rain shelters and recruitment of local youth in the shrine board.All the members stressed on making the site plastic and polythene free and proposed use of biodegradable corn starch based polythene as a possible substitute for environmental preservationSpeaking on the occasion, Mr Ajay Nanda stressed for taking appropriate measures for regularization of Shrine Board employees and switching over to Aadhar seeded biometric attendance. He said that all the departments should work in tandem to improve amenities for the pilgrims and ensuring sustainable development of the area.
Dr. Kotwal who is Chairman of the Board directed the concerned departments for exploring feasibility of cable car project at Shiv Khori which would not only generate revenue but also provide an alternate mode of travelling to the holy cave. He further directed for setting up of a Sewage Treatment Plant to cater to the sanitation needs of the area.Dr Kotwal while reviewing the action taken on previous board meeting directed the concerned to illuminate the Shiv Khori track with LED lamps in place of CFLs on the already installed heritage poles, quick completion of approach road to helipad, rigid concrete topping of the tracks, widening of Ransoo Bazar, introduction of e- rikshaws, installation of hoarding/ display boards on Vaishno Devi track to generate awareness among Vaishno Devi pilgrims about Shiv Khori shrine, construction of 100 ft wide road at Ransoo and installation of CCTV cameras alongside tracks.He said that with an increase in tourist footfall at the shrine it is imperative that the facilities are upgraded and the tourism potential of the area is optimally harnessed. He also stressed that the developmental activities should be carried out in harmony with the environment so that these natural places don't lose their pristine beauty.CEO SMVDSB Ajit Kumar Sahu, Director Tourism, Sushma Chauhan and Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Ravinder Kumar besides members of the board were present in the meeting.