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| Facilities for Vaishno Devi pilgrims to be further upgraded | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
Jammu, July 28 : In view of ever increasing pilgrim traffic to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine the Shrine Board and other private and Government agencies plan to pool their resources for upgrading and developing th basic infrastructure at Jammu,Katra,the base camp,and on the 12-km route between Katra and the Shrine.
In this connection a private agency, entrusted with the task of recommending measures for development of infrastructure at Katra and from Katra to the Bhawan, has completed its interaction with groups of pilgrims, hoteliers, transporters and traders.
Under its recommendations the emphasis has been given on setting up additional room facilities and hotels which offer accommodation at a reasonable rate.
Number of pilgrims said that majority of existing hotels in Katra charged quite high board and lodging rates.They wanted the Shrine Board to build dormitories and spacious lawns where pilgrims could stay for a couple of days before and after the yatra.
Experts are of the opinion that in view of annual pilgrim traffic figure having touched 85 lakhs there was need for widening of track between Katra and the Bhawan.
Also there was need for increasing lodging facilities around the Bhawan area along with increase in the number of shelter sheds and civic facilities.
These experts said that since the formation of the Shrine Board the facilities and the infrastructure had witnessed major transformation for the benefit of the pilgrims.They said that a situation has reached in which the pilgrimage generates an annual income of about Rs.500 crores which sustained the local economy. Hence the pilgrimage provides livelihood to about 30,000 people. And of the Rs 500 crores income commercial establishments account of 60 per cent followed by hospitality sector and transport. This is separate income for the donations and offerings made by the pilgrims at the shrine which helps the Shrine Board to carry out major improvement.
Experts said that the Shrine Board should seek direct or indirect assistance from traders, transporters and hoteliers in the development plan of Katra and the route upto the Bhawan which could ensure a hassle-free yatra for over eight million pilgrims.
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