SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the 75th meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra. The meeting focused on reviewing past decisions, ongoing projects, and improving pilgrim facilities and safety measures.
The newly reconstituted Board includes Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Shri Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Smt Sudha Murty, Smt Gunjan Rana, Dr K.K. Talwar, Shri Kulbhushan Ahuja, Shri Lalit Bhasin, and Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma. Principal Secretary to the LG, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, and SMVDSB CEO, Shri Anshul Garg, were also present.
The LG welcomed the new members and acknowledged the contribution of outgoing members. The Board reviewed 21 agenda items, including infrastructure development, service delivery, and future planning.
Key decisions included construction of an Exit Track and remodelling of the Manokamna area, a new helipad at Katra, development of New Vaishnavi Bhawan and cottages near the Sports Stadium, widening of the track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, and operationalisation of the SMVD Medical College at Kakryal.
The Board raised concerns over delays in the helipad project at Village Hutt and directed the Border Roads Organisation to complete the work by October 2025. The helipad is a joint project with Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board.
Progress on renewable energy projects was also reviewed, with instructions to develop a detailed plan for solar installations. The Board approved a complete sewerage network to cover all establishments in the Shrine area.
The LG emphasised strengthening the pilgrim feedback system, with monthly monitoring and wider coverage across services. The Board also discussed volunteer engagement along the Yatra route to assist pilgrims and improve their overall experience.
Safety measures were reviewed, including the identification of vulnerable spots on the pilgrimage route for risk mitigation. Security enhancements were acknowledged, including the operationalisation of the Integrated Command and Control Centre and seven sub-control centres.
The Board approved dedicating five newly constructed temples in Reasi to the public in July 2025 and sanctioned the construction of five more temples, with uniform architectural design.
Financial support for institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society was approved, covering the Gurukul, Hospital, Sports Complex, College of Nursing, and Medical College.
On the sidelines, the LG inaugurated several facilities near the Bhawan, including a battery car parking stand, outer cave shed, self-service kiosks, smart lockers, and a dormitory block at SMVD Gurukul. The new facilities are aimed at improving convenience, safety, and accessibility for pilgrims.
CEO Shri Anshul Garg presented a report on the Board’s recent activities and updates on the implementation of previous decisions.
