Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, chaired a meeting of the Committee of the Board (comprising Jammu based Members of the Board) to discuss issues relating to mule owners/handlers operating on the track between Katra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The Meeting discussed a note prepared by the Chief Secretary, in compliance to the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), in the matter Gauri Maulekhi Vs. State of J&K and Ors.The meeting, held at the Raj Bhavan Jammu, was attended by Shri B.B. Vyas, Chief Secretary (and Member of the Board); Dr. S. S. Bloeria, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Mr. H. L. Maini and Maj. Gen. (Retd) Shiv Kumar Sharma, all Jammu based Members of the Board. Dr. M. K. Kumar, Additional CEO of the Shrine Board, participated in the discussions.The Meeting discussed the NGT’s directions and the issues relating to the rehabilitation of mule operators and agreed as below:
(i) For the satisfactory management of the pilgrimage to the Holy Cave Shrine the availability of a given number of ponies shall necessarily be required, to meet the requirements of the pilgrims.
(ii) In the context of the complaints/protestations organized by the pony operators (in the wake of NGT’s directions to State Government), which were supported by political parties/leaders, the CoB were of the view that, for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the Yatra the State Government should take an overall view in the matter, particularly keeping in mind that a much larger number of pony/mule operators support the Shri Amarnathji Yatra. CoB also noted that ponies were in demand by tourists visiting Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and other places of tourist attraction.
(iii) In view of (i) and (ii) above, CoB urged Chief Secretary to timely seek the State Cabinet’s directions in the matter.
Governor emphasised the need for a holistic/harmonious view being arrived at for time bound measures being taken to ensure the best possible rehabilitation of all the registered mule owners/handlers.