Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Dec 2: On the directions of Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to the Governor who took over as CEO of the Shrine Board on November 30 inspected the ongoing major development works and facilities for the pilgrims which are being put in place along the tracks and in the Bhawan area.
In the Bhawan area, CEO reviewed the to-date progress on the construction of Passenger Ropeway between Bhawan and Bhairon Temple, Material Ropeway between Siar Dabri and Bhawan and the Slope Stabilisation Project. He issued instructions to Dr. M. K. Kumar and Anshul Garg, Additional CEOs, and other concerned officers and engineers of the Board, to ensure completion of these important projects within the fixed timelines, to further enhance the facilities for the pilgrims.
Referring to the New Year rush of pilgrims which is witnessed every year from December 20 onwards, CEO directed all the officers to ensure that all the required arrangements are put in place well in time for facilitating the expected rush of pilgrims.
CEO also inspected various construction works including landscape development activities on the upcoming Tarakote Marg. He took stock of the progress on the construction of shelter sheds and the hill slope stabilisation work for ensuring the safety of pilgrims against landslides and shooting stones as well as installation of wire mesh fencing. He also reviewed the arrangements being put in place in regard to bhojanalayas, view points, medical units, water points, toilet blocks, power supply, sanitation and cleanliness, etc.
Earlier, Narula visited the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji and paid obeisance at the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Anshul Garg, Additional CEO; Jagdish Singh, SDM Bhawan; M. M. Gupta, Chief Engineer; and other concerned officers and engineers of the Board accompanied CEO on his inspections.
Later, at Katra, the CEO at a meeting with the Additional CEOs, Dy. CEOs and other officers of the Board, took first hand appraisal of the various ongoing works and facilities for the pilgrims. He underscored the need for ensuring best possible facilities for the visiting pilgrims alongside expeditious completion of works.
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