Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 8: President Dogra Sadar Sabha Gulchain Singh Charak has sought adequate facilities for the pilgrims at Purmandal and Utterbehni shrines.
Addressing a press conference, Charak informed that three-day fair was organized in connection with 25th Annual Chhari Yatra by Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust, Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K and Purmandal and Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee, which concluded on April 6.
He expressed dismay and concern that despite having sanctity and sacredness the twin shrines have been ignored by the successive Governments till date, despite the fact that both shrines are historical Hindu pilgrimage centres in Jammu and Kashmir like Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and Baba Amarnath Ji despite repeated pleas by these organizations.
Charak also expressed resentment and concern over the non-cooperation of the Surinsar-Mansar Tourism Development Authority due to which people visiting these Shrines are facing numerous difficulties especially the women pilgrims face severe problems while taking bath in open areas.
He appealed to the Government to immediately construct bathing ghats and public conveniences near the banks of Holy Devika so that lakhs of devotees visiting these Shrines whose number is increasing day by day may not face these hardships.
He also expressed concern over phlegmatic approach of Tourism Department towards Purmandal Shrine. He further said that if these holy places are developed on modern lines with sufficient facilities for devotees, it will drastically change the socio-economic scenario of the region with increased footfall of devotees, besides, good number of tourists.
Charak also appealed to the Government to immediately make proper arrangements to stop the cremation of the dead bodies near the main temple at Purmandal and ensure that the people use the cremation sheds specially erected for the purpose at Devika, nearby, so that the pilgrims especially women and children can visit the temples complex freely.
On the occasion, Charak along with others also released the annual calendar for the year Bikrami Samvat 2076 prepared by Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
Among others present were SC Rekhi General Secretary and Deepak Gupta, Treasurer SLNM Trust, Prem Sagar Gupta, General Secretary DSS, Brig (Retd) MS Jamwal, Member Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee and Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Incharge Youth Wing DSS.
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