Katra, June 24 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 75th meeting of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra.
The newly constituted Board attended the meeting, including members Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Sudha Murty, Ashok Bhan, Baleshwar Rai, K.K. Talwar, Gunjan Rana, Lalit Bhasin, Kulbhushan Ahuja, and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor, Mandeep K. Bhandari, and Chief Executive Officer SMVDSB, Anshul Garg, were also present.
Welcoming the new members, the Lt Governor emphasized the importance of their role in preserving the shrine’s spiritual and cultural legacy. He appreciated the service of outgoing members and expressed confidence in the new Board’s ability to enhance pilgrim services and governance.
The Board reviewed 21 agenda items and ratified actions taken since the previous meeting. Key decisions included the construction of an Exit Track, redevelopment of the Manokamna area at Bhawan, development of a helipad in Katra, new Vaishnavi Bhawan, cottages near the Sports Stadium, widening of the Sanjichhat-Bhawan track, and operationalization of the Shrine Board’s Medical College at Kakryal.
The Board also reviewed the delayed helipad project at Village Hutt, being executed by the Border Roads Organization in collaboration with the Shiv Khori Shrine Board. Expressing concern over the delay, the Board directed BRO to complete the project by October 2025.
The meeting emphasized renewable energy efforts and asked the CEO to prepare a detailed solar energy plan to help reduce the Shrine’s carbon footprint. Approval was granted for a 100% sewerage network to enhance sanitation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The Lt Governor reviewed the Yatri Feedback System and directed its expansion to include all services with monthly monitoring. He also proposed involving volunteers along the Yatra route to guide pilgrims and improve their experience.
Safety was also discussed, with instructions to identify vulnerable areas along the pilgrimage route and take preventive measures against landslides and falling stones. Enhanced security measures were appreciated, including the Integrated Command and Control Centre and seven new Sub-Control Centres inaugurated recently.
The Board approved the dedication of five newly constructed temples in Reasi in July 2025 and sanctioned the construction of five more, with an emphasis on maintaining a uniform architectural style reflecting the Shrine Board’s heritage.
Grants-in-aid were approved for various institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including the Gurukul, hospital, sports complex, college of nursing, and medical college to support their ongoing operations.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lt Governor inaugurated several pilgrim-centric facilities such as a Battery Car Parking stand, an Outer Cave Shed, Self-Service Kiosk, Digital Cash Register, and 300 Smart Lockers near the Skywalk area. These lockers are RFID-enabled for secure storage of pilgrim belongings.
He also inaugurated a new dormitory block at the SMVD Gurukul, constructed at a cost of ?71.82 lakh, adding capacity for 32 more students and strengthening the institution’s infrastructure.
CEO Anshul Garg presented a detailed report on the Shrine Board’s recent activities and updates on previous decisions.(KNS)