KL Desk
Srinagar
While taking many decisions for future course of action, governor, N. N. Vohra chaired 51st meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board which was held at Raj Bhawan, Jammu on Thursday evening.
To select a suitable partner to operate Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Katra, as a multi speciality hospital, the board reiterated its principle direction that the facilities being provided for the pilgrims should be constantly reviewed and enlarged.
The board also approved the chairman’s decision for the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (a joint venture of government of India and government of Uttar Pradesh), to prepare a detailed project for stabilization of the Trikuta mountain slopes with the objective of ensuring against falling stones and land-slides which cause injuries to the pilgrims.
The board also approved the installation of a multipurpose audio system, along the entire track from Banganga to Bhawan, to enhance the ambience and facilities for the pilgrims moving on the track,
Keeping in view the progressively increasing strength of the pilgrimage which crossed the one crore mark last year, the high priority is being devoted to enlarge the infrastructure of the Yatra. The Board was informed that works worth over Rs. 100 crore were under implementation, including of projects like Kalika Dham at Jammu, Aashirvad Complex at Katra, Parvati Complex at Bhawan and Pony Shed at Bhawan.
As a part of its preparedness to deal with the ever increasing number of pilgrims, the board endorsed Dr. Bloeria’s recommendations regarding improvement of health facilities along the track, including addition of 2 new dispensaries, besides board also endorsed Dr. Ashok Bhan’s recommendations regarding improvement of security and disaster management measures, consequent to his recent inspection of the existing arrangements.
While reviewing the progress of emergency helipad at Panchhi, non conventional energy projects at various locations, and the afforestation work carried out in the shrine area, the governor referred to the continuing focus on improving and conserving the environment, including the greening of Trikuta Hills through continuous plantation activities. It was informed in the meeting that during the last year, the shrine board had planted more than 3.5 lakh saplings, including forest, horticulture, floriculture and ornamental species of plants.
The board approved of the social responsibility programme being extended and enlarged to a higher level, in addition to the large scale assistance being provided by the board to various socio-cultural organizations, Self Help Groups and Baridar families.
To marking its Silver Jubilee Celebrations, the board approved a proposal for the girls born during the Silver Jubilee year (30-08-2011 to 30-08-2012) in the families of shrine board’s employees and Baridars residing in areas surrounding the shrine being adopted and provided education on an assured basis.
