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| Shat Chandi Maha-Yagya at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine concludes | | Governor reviews development projects | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, APRIL 12 - The Governor N. N. Vohra, who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, visited the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji and inspected the various on going development schemes of the Shrine Board. He performed the “Purna-Ahuti” of the “Shat Chandi Maha-Yagya” at the Bhawan and prayed at the Sanctum Sanctorum for peace and prosperity of the State. Keeping in line with its mandate to provide improved management of the Holy Shrine, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board established in 1986, has made large strides during the 25th year of its establishment. There has been a spurt in the developmental activities and welfare measures undertaken for the pilgrims, under the sustained directions and guidance of the Chairman of the Board. The Yatra increased by over five lakh in 2010, recording the highest ever figure of 87.49 lakh.
A major scheme costing about Rs. 14 crore, for augmenting water supply to the Bhawan area, is likely to be commissioned within the next 4 months.
For the safe and smooth flow of the Yatris, work is already ongoing to widen the relatively narrower stretches of the existing track and retiling all portions of the track which have got worn out. For the convenience of the on-foot pilgrims, the relatively wider portions of the track are being segregated, by installing dividers, to create separate lanes for the Yatris and for the movement of ponies. The Shrine Board has also contributed to the cost of the State Government’s project to widen and improve the Katra-Banganga Road.
Significant measures are being taken to enhance the safety and security of the Yatris. This includes decongesting the track, shifting of the electric substation at Bhawan, re-location of the Banganga Check Post, operationalization of the Hathi Matha Check Post and the construction of a new Pony Stand at Bhawan. The commissioning of New Tunnel to the Sanctum-Sanctorum, taking forward two Ropeway Projects, initiation of a new dedicated Pony Track from Banganaga to Adhkuwari, engaging the services of IIM Ahmedabad to improve the management of the queue systems are some of the more significant projects initiated during the past one year.
The Board has shown high sensitivity towards environmental concerns. In this regard major plantation drives were carried out to improve the green cover. In summer and winter 2010 around 50,000 and 30,000 plants, respectively, including forest species, rhizomes, horticulture and flowering plants were planted in the Shrine area.
In keeping with its environmental friendly commitment, conscious efforts have been made by the Board to switch over to Non Conventional Energy Sources and to take various measures to conserve energy. Among these, Energy efficient lights have been installed to replace the conventional lights on the entire track. Under the Special Area Demonstration Project Scheme of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Board has successfully implemented a Solar Water Heating Plant at Katra and a Solar Power Plant at Bhawan. Under the JN National Solar Mission, four Solar Water Heating Systems and two Solar Power Plants of 20 KWp are being installed.
The Shrine Board has placed a major focus on treating the slip-prone areas for enhancing the safety and security of the Yatris. Over 1800 meters of the Shelter Sheds have been constructed/ re-laid with 18 gauge sturdy CGI sheets to reduce the impact of the shooting stones and landslides. As a long term measure, in order to put in place a fool-proof system to protect the Yatris from the shooting stones/landslides, a consultancy has been engaged for stabilization of the vulnerable zones between Katra and the Shrine. This work has been entrusted to Tehri Hydro Development Corporation.
To deal with any catastrophe/disaster situation, the Shrine Board has got Capacity Building and Disaster Management and Preparedness training programmes carried out through expert agencies. More than 500 personnel drawn from the Shrine Board , CRPF, JKP, PHE and Fire Services have so far been trained. Three Disaster Management Task Forces, comprising well trained employees of the Shrine Board, have been constituted to take effective steps in any disaster situation. Disaster Management Stores have been established and made functional. In-house training is now being provided to train the entire staff of the Shrine Board in this area of preparedness. Medical facilities have also been augmented at various locations along the entire track.
For ensuring Fire Safety, a comprehensive plan for effective Fire Fighting measures in the area has been got conducted through Fire Services Department and work for installation of fire hydrant systems at Adhkuwari and augmentation of the existing system at Bhawan has already started and one 20,000 gallon reservoir to be used only for fire fighting purposes has already been constructed at Adhkuwari. Besides, a 50,000 gallon reservoir at Bhawan has also been reserved exclusively for the Fire Fighting. Fire extinguishers have been installed at various sensitive locations in the Shrine area. Last year, an area of 225.46 kanals was treated by controlled burning. Besides, Fire Lines were also created around major establishments of the Shrine area and an area of 81,338.75 sq mts has been thus covered. This has contributed to a major reduction in forest fires during last summer. Action in this regard has already been initiated for summer 2011.
The Board is making sustained efforts to continually improve the arrangements and facilities for the Yatris, while being fully sensitive to the concerns of safety, security and the environment.
He was accompanied by Mrs. Usha Vohra, the Lady Governor, Raj Kumar Goyal, Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mandeep Bhandari, Addl. CEO, Jagjit Kumar, DIG Udhampue-Reasi, Keshav Ram Chaurasia, SSP Reasi, concerned Board Officers and others.
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