Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 25: Governor N.N. Vohra who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, chaired a meeting at the Raj Bhavan to review the implementation of the various important ongoing development projects of the Shrine Board.
Dr. S.S. Bloeria, Dr. Ashok Bhan and H.L. Maini, Members of the Shrine Board; B.B. Vyas, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister and former CEO, SMVDSB; Dr. M.K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer and Dr. M.K. Kumar, Additional Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB participated in the meeting.
CEO briefed the meeting about the to-date status of the new track between Katra and Adhkuwari and informed that a substantial stretch of this track has been tiled and side drains and retaining wall structures have been made. The work on the construction of various wayside facilities, like eating and drinking water points, toilet blocks, viewpoints etc. is under good progress.
The Governor stressed the need to expeditiously complete all the remaining works so that the track which seeks to provide the pilgrims an easy gradient and convenient walking path, can be commissioned very early.
The Governor directed the CEO to draw up a comprehensive plan for enlarging facilities for the pilgrims in the Bhairon Ji Temple area with a view to meeting the emerging requirements of the pilgrims, particularly after the commissioning of the under construction Passenger Ropeway which will provide rapid pilgrim movement between the Shrine and Bhairon Ji Temple.
He requested H.L. Maini, Member and Technical Consultant of the Board to undertake a critical appraisal of the required facilities to be created, keeping in view all relevant sensivities, particularly the geology of the area. The CEO briefed the meeting about the to-date status of the Bhairon Ghati Ropeway Project and the Material Ropeway Project between Siar Dabri and Bhawan.
The Governor discussed various infrastructure related issues for enlarging the facilities for pilgrims and was also informed about the efforts being taken to undertake large scale plantations along the tracks and in the Trikuta Hills. Progress of the pony shed at Bhawan and work on the stabilisation of slopes being carried out in consultation with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation was also reviewed.
The Governor also reviewed the to-date status of the construction of various residential buildings and other infrastructure facilities being put in place at the upcoming hospital at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at Kakryal near Katra, which is scheduled to be commissioned in October 2015. The Governor asked CEO to ensure time bound action on all aspects of the project to ensure that there is no slippage in the commissioning schedule of this very important hospital project.