| Baldev Raj Sharma meets SMVDSB CEO, seeks better public facilities | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 27: MLA, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Constituency, Baldev Raj Sharma, today met Sachin Kumar Vaishya, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, and conveyed his heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the timely resumption of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. Sharma Ji said that the decision has brought immense relief and happiness to lakhs of devotees from across the country and has also revived the economic activities of Katra, where thousands of families earn their livelihood directly and indirectly from the Yatra. He appreciated the Shrine Board for its dedicated efforts in ensuring the safety and convenience of pilgrims while facilitating the smooth continuation of the sacred pilgrimage.
Baldev Raj Sharma also complimented Sachin Kumar Vaishya and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for the remarkable sports infrastructure and developmental works undertaken at the SMVDSB Sports Complex, Katra. He appreciated the installation of flood lights for conducting night matches and facilitating evening walk and jogging, recruitment of qualified coaches for Cricket, Football, Basketball, Table Tennis and Shooting to strengthen sports training programmes, the ongoing development of the Pickleball Arena, approval for construction of a Badminton Court with wooden flooring, successful organisation of Summer Coaching Camps for Shooting and Table Tennis, establishment of a Physiotherapy & Recovery Room for sports injury management, and the preparations for hosting the prestigious National Ranking Archery Tournament (NRAT) in September 2026. Sharma stated that these initiatives would provide quality sports infrastructure, encourage youth participation in sports, and promote a healthy sporting culture in Katra.
During the meeting, Baldev Raj Sharma submitted a detailed representation seeking improvement of walkers' facilities at the Sports Stadium, Katra. He requested maintenance and levelling of the existing walking track, development of a new 5-foot-wide earthen (grass) walking track alongside the existing pathway, pruning of overgrown plants to provide adequate walking space, and restoration of the non-functional music system to recreate the peaceful and devotional atmosphere appreciated by morning and evening walkers. The Chief Executive Officer gave a patient hearing to the issues and assured that the representation would be examined sympathetically and appropriate action would be taken.
Baldev Raj Sharma also took up several important developmental issues concerning the constituency. He requested the early issuance of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for providing access through the Shrine Board Road (Tarakote-Langar Road, Banganga) for the proposed construction of the approach road and Balni Bridge near Army Camp, Banganga. He highlighted that the project is of great public and humanitarian importance as it would provide better access to the Shamshan Ghat at Banganga, ease the difficulties faced by grieving families, and improve connectivity for the residents of the adjoining areas. Sharma also discussed the long-pending upgradation of Hansali Road, highlighting the need to improve connectivity and facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims and the local population.
The MLA also discussed the issue of the proposed Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) School at Kakryal, emphasising that its establishment would greatly benefit the students of the area by providing quality education closer to their homes. The Chief Executive Officer, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, assured Baldev Raj Sharma that the issue, along with the other matters raised during the meeting, would be examined on priority.
Baldev Raj Sharma expressed confidence that the Shrine Board would continue to work in close coordination with public representatives for the overall development of Katra and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Constituency, ensuring better infrastructure, enhanced public amenities, and improved facilities for both the local residents and the millions of devotees visiting the Holy Shrine. |
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