Ramesh Kumar, who recently took over the charge of Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) called on the Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu here at the Raj Bhavan today and briefed him about the to-date progress of the Board’s various ongoing projects in Katra and the Shrine area.The CEO apprised the Lt Governor about the recent arrangements being put in place to augment the existing facilities for the pilgrims and the service providers. He informed the Lt Governor that the around 77.50 lakh Yatris have performed darshan of the Holy Cave as on date and the Shrine Board is all geared up for the upcoming Yatra season.The Lt Governor while reviewing the progress of upgradation of wayside facilities along the tracks called for renewed focus on sanitation and maintenance of impeccable hygienic conditions in and around the Bhojanalayas. He further directed the CEO to provide best langar facilities and usage of environment friendly material in Bhojnalayas.While briefing about the functioning of the Bhawan-Bhairon passenger ropeway, the CEO informed the Lt Governor that as many as 20.20 lakh pilgrims have availed the facility of this hi-tech ropeway which was commissioned last year and has completed one year of its successful operation.
The Lt Governor directed the CEO to conduct a technical safety and fire audit of the ropeway and devise a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the inspection of the said ropeway periodically to ensure the safety and security of pilgrims.The Lt Governor was further informed that at present, 162 children are presently under training at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul. The Lt Governor stressed on imparting the best possible training to the children with special focus on practical training and employment awareness.While complimenting the Shrine board, after learning that one Rakesh Kumar, a sports person of the Shrine Board will be participating in upcoming Para-Olympics, the Lt Governor asked the CEO to take steps to encourage the local youth and sponsor good sportspersons for national and international events.The Lt Governor further reviewed the present status of the installation of CCTV Surveillance System on the entire track from Darshani Deodi to Bhawan which will be implemented on turnkey basis, construction of the mega Durga Bhawan for accommodating nearly 4000 pilgrims at Bhawan area, Inlet Queue management system at Bhawan, Exit Track at Bhawan, and Queue Management system at Bhairon Ji and directed the CEO to ensure that all the projects be completed as per the envisaged timelines for largely facilitating the pilgrims.