Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Nov 22: At a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer, senior officers and engineers of the Shrine Board held at Katra, N. N. Vohra, Governor, who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, reviewed the various ongoing development works which are being executed by the Shrine Board at Katra, along the tracks leading to the holy Shrine, and in the shrine area.
The Governor, while taking a detailed review of the major infrastructure development projects of the Shrine Board at a presentation made by Dr. M. K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, issued instructions for speeding up the pace of execution of all the ongoing works which are aimed at further improving the facilities for the pilgrims.
CEO briefed the Governor that the civil works for the construction of the Passenger Ropeway from Bhawan to Bhairon Temple will commence shortly and that this mega project would be completed by end of 2015.
While reviewing the progress of the project for installation of Audio System along the entire 23 km track, the Governor asked the CEO to get prepared high quality recordings in English and Hindi for making relevant announcements to keep the pilgrims informed about various important matters relating to the pilgrimage.
The Governor was informed about the action being taken towards setting-up of Sewage Treatment Plants at various locations with a view to preserving the environment. The Governor issued instructions for the very early preparation of a comprehensive DPR for the management and disposal of solid wastes.
Reviewing the progress of construction of the New Track between Katra and Adhkuwari, the Governor asked CEO to complete the remaining work including creation of way side facilities, fencing etc. very early. He was also informed about the status of the ongoing work on the stabilisation of slopes along the tracks to ensure against accidents arising from falling stones. This entire project involves an expenditure of Rs 45crore.
CEO informed that fencing work along the Tracks is going on speedily and the widening of the narrow portions is also being undertaken. The CEO stated that work on Pony Stand near the Shrine will also be completed in the next three months.
Reviewing the to-date status of the plantations raised by the Shrine Board along the tracks and in the Trikuta Hills, the Governor directed B. Mohan Daas, who is the incharge of the Forestry Wing of the Shrine Board, to plant more flowering shrubs and creepers to improve the ambience along the entire Yatra route and also use more local and hardy species which have high soil binding properties.
The Governor asked the CEO to ensure the very early completion of the landscaping work at Mahedev Temple at Reasi, where all other components of the renovation work, including construction of Langar Hall and Toilet Block have already been completed.
Regarding the Multi-purpose Sports Stadium, being setup by the Shrine Board at a cost of Rs. 8.5 crore, CEO informed that turf has been laid and the parking facilities and other remaining works are in the final phase of completion. He added that work on Aastha Bhawan, costing Rs.12.5 crore, adjacent to the Stadium, will also be completed by March 2015.
Among those present on the occasion were Dr. M. K. Kumar, Additional Chief Executive Officer, B. Mohan Dass, Pankaj Sharma and Devinder Singh Bhau, Deputy CEOs of SMVDSB, Subhash Gupta, Superintending Engineer, Dr. Vinod Gupta, Director Medical, Rajinder Singh, Officer on Special Duty (Revenue) and Rajan Gupta, Executive Engineer of the Shrine Board.
R. K. Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Governor, participated in the deliberations.
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