KATRA: To ensure a seamless and convenient pilgrimage experience for the large influx of devotees expected during the New Year-2025, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) held a review meeting today to finalize all necessary arrangements. The meeting convened under the directions of the Hon’ble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT) was presided by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB and attended by senior officers of the Shrine Board, representatives from Security Agencies and other key stakeholders. The Chief Executive Officer instructed the concerned authorities to make necessary arrangements for Yatra management including security measures through RFID card regulation and crowd management strategies to ease congestion along the track particularly at the Bhawan area. To ensure a smooth experience, separate entry and exit routes will be implemented at the Bhawan and over 700 CCTV cameras will provide all-time surveillance guaranteeing a safe environment for devotees, he added. The CEO further stressed that security agencies should only allow pilgrims with valid RFID cards to proceed for the yatra and suggested deploying additional handheld scanners and sufficient staff to prevent any lapses in this regard. Furthermore, he instructed for regular public announcements to be made aiming to decongest the crowd on the track and maintain a smooth flow of pilgrims. While emphasizing the need for synergy among all stakeholders to achieve this objective, he emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness measures directing the concerned quarters to monitor vulnerable areas and conduct joint patrolling. Additionally, the CEO issued directives for the smooth regulation of vehicle movement, improved sanitation, drinking water supplies and enhanced lighting on the track and in the Katra area. Special attention was called to resolving traffic issues caused by unauthorized parking with plans for a special drive to tow away such vehicles. Security agencies presented a detailed action plan including the deployment of drones and use of CCTV cameras for real-time monitoring besides deployment of additional security forces and quick response teams (QRTs). It was informed to the chair that a multi-tier security grid comprising the Police and para military forces will be in place to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the yatra. The meeting concluded with the clear instructions to ensure hassle-free pilgrimage experience for all devotees The meeting was attended by SSP, Reasi; Jt. Chief Executive Officer & Dy. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bhawan; SP, Katra; Asstt. CEOs, SMVDSB; SDPO Katra, Tehsildar & ACF, SMVDSB and officers from IB, CID, SMVDSB and other intelligence agencies.
