JAMMU, Mar 7 (KNS) : In a significant move to bolster pilgrimage infrastructure, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the infrastructure upgradation and beautification works at the holy Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi district. The projects, executed by the JSW Group under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, mark a major milestone in the development of the ancient cave shrine.
Addressing a gathering of devotees and officials, the Lt Governor lauded the effort as a historic endeavour. "I see this as a profound act of kindness for humanity's shared heritage," he said, expressing gratitude to Sajjan Jindal, CMD of JSW Group, and his team. LG Sinha noted that the moment, anticipated since the signing of an MoU with the JSW Group in 2023, signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the shrine. "Shiv Khori's awakening begins. We have not only upgraded infrastructure but fortified faith itself," he stated.
Emphasizing the spiritual renaissance in the region, the Lt Governor asserted that the upgradation serves as an announcement that the holy shrines of ancient tradition are being reawakened and restored to life. "Today, devotees' perseverance bears fruit and we fulfilled the vibrant dreams of our ancestors who yearned for it," he said.
LG Sinha reiterated his commitment to transforming Jammu Kashmir into the spiritual heart of the nation. "After five years of sustained efforts, I can say with quiet satisfaction that dream is no longer distant," he remarked, adding that the Union Territory is experiencing a genuine spiritual, cultural, and social renaissance, re-emerging as a centre of knowledge, art, music, and philosophy. "The flame of tapas and dharma for which this land was once renowned across the world - we are relighting it with full conviction," he added.
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Appealing to the youth, the Lt Governor encouraged them to seek a balance between inner and outer life. "This renaissance is for you. Come to the sacred shrines of this land and allow yourself to feel what centuries of unbroken devotion feel like when it meets you in silence," he said.
Providing details of the development roadmap, the Lt Governor announced that a new helipad is slated for completion this month, with heli-services for devotees expected to start in April. To ensure pilgrim safety, a protective track shed will be completed soon to guard against unpredictable weather and shooting stones. Future plans include the construction of an alternative track between Ram Mandir and Shiv Khori for decongestion, comprehensive repair of the Ransoo Shrine building, and the addition of sanitation facilities, a serai, and a langar facility at Ransoo.
The Lt Governor also proposed the introduction of a 'Sound and Light Show' at the shrine and suggested exploring the feasibility of a ropeway project with collective consensus. He flagged off a garbage collection vehicle donated by J&K Bank to the Shiv Khori Shrine Board.
The newly inaugurated works include the renovation of Shivam Dwar (Darshani Deodi), the Mahadev Bhawan, the Yatra Registration Counter, existing ghats near Shivam Dwar, and a medical kiosk near Ram Mandir. New structures such as gazebos, toilet complexes, a pony shed at Ransoo, and lighting installations at various locations were also unveiled.
The ceremony was attended by Reasi MLA Kuldeep Raj Dubey, JSW Group CMD Sajjan Jindal, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Sarah Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek, and a large number of devotees. (KNS)