Excelsior Correspondent
RANSOO, (SHIV KHORI), Sept 26: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Shantmanu, who is also the Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB), today said that the historic cave shrine of Lord Shiva nested in Shivalik hills in Reasi district would be developed as a major pilgrim tourism destination by creating adequate infrastructure for the visiting pilgrims.
“The revered place is fast emerging as second largest pilgrim tourist destination after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and Government is keen to create dependable facilities for the increasing number of the pilgrims reaching here every year”, Div Com said at Ransoo, the base camp of Shiv Khori Shrine, where he inspected the ongoing developmental works.
District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary and other senior functionaries also accompanied the Divisional Commissioner.
The Div Com sought details about the ongoing works and the work plan which includes widening of Ransoo bazar, construction of pony stand at cave shrine, alternate road from Bus stand to main market, facilities for pilgrims, development of park, etc.
Vice Chairman SSKSB, Rajinder Singh Tara (ADC Reasi) apprised Div Com that the work on pony stand and residential quarters is under execution.
Deputy Commissioner informed the Divisional Commissioner that helipad will be completed in next 4 months however there was requirement of more funds. He intimated that Pawan Hans Helicopter Services has already submitted an FDR with district administration for permission to fly between Katra and Ransoo.
He intimated that District Red Cross Society has decided to raise funds through yatra slips to provide medical facilities to visiting pilgrims and also take up rescue measures.
The Div Com was also informed that the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine is increasing day by day and over 126618 pilgrims have paid obeisance this month and 1396593 have visited cave shrine since January 1 to till date.
Later, a deputation of people including Sarpanchs and Panchs of Ransoo also called on Div Com and projected their issue and problems. Div Com assured them that their grievances would be addressed at an earliest. He also issued on spot instructions to the officers to find early solution to the problems of the people.
On the occasion, district and sectoral officers from health, PWD, PDD, PHE, Tourism, Animal Husbandry, RDD and Revenue Departments.
Div Com also paid obeisance at the Holy Cave accompanied by DDC Reasi Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, ADC Reasi Rajinder Singh Tara, ACR Reasi Tilak Raj Shastri and SP Reasi Sharief Chouhan. This was the first ever visit of Div Com to Holy Shrine after taking over as chairman of the SSKSB.
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