Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Jan 16: To address concerns and alleviate apprehensions regarding Mata Vaishno Devi Ropeway Project, the High Level Committee (HLC) framed by the Lt Governor, held its third crucial meeting with Sangarsh Samiti members and other stakeholders.
The committee, comprising Dr Ashok Bhan and Suresh Sharma, Members of the SMVDSB; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, listened to concerns of the stakeholders.
The major concerns raised by the Sangarsh Samiti and other stakeholders centered around the sanctity of the traditional track and the livelihoods of people associated with shops, business establishments and services on the traditional track. A significant worry was the upcoming Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, with stakeholders urging for its termination at the Inter Modal Station (IMS) in Katra. They feared that extending the expressway up to Tarakote could severely impact local businesses in Katra town.
The HLC assured stakeholders of the Shrine Board’s commitment to holistic development of Katra and the Shrine area, focusing particularly on the traditional track. They underscored that several projects have been completed and many more are in the pipeline aiming to boost pilgrimage and local economy.
The committee reiterated that the ropeway project is expected to enhance the ease and comfort of pilgrims, thereby boosting the overall numbers. The committee also addressed concerns regarding the impact of the project on local businesses, assuring stakeholders that the reduced turnaround times for returning pilgrims would likely increase spending additional time in Katra town.\ Dr Bhan emphasized that the meeting demonstrated the committee’s commitment to transparency, cooperation and fostering a collaborative environment for addressing the pressing matters at hand to ensure the development of Katra and the Shrine area while working closely with stakeholders. It was also decided that the consultation process shall continue with more rounds of discussions and any final decision shall be taken only after consulting all stakeholders.
Prominent members of the Sangarsh Samiti present in the meeting included Ajay Nanda, Vimal Indu, Sohan Singh, Ravi Nag, Karan Singh, Rajesh Sadotra, Raman Singh, Rajneesh, Sunil Sharma, Beli Ram, Jugal Kishore, Verinder Kesar, Surinder Sharma and others.
This meeting follows two previous meetings held on May 9, 2023 and February 15, 2024.
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