Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Aug 14: A delegation of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, Katra (HRAK), along with representatives from the PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jammu Region Chapter (PHDCCIJ) comprising of president HRAK and Chairman PHDCCIJ Rakesh Wazir, HRAK’s Chairman Shyam Lal Kesar, senior vice president Virender Kesar and others called on Sachin Kumar Vaishya, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and presented a set of suggestions aimed at enhancing pilgrim facilities, increasing the duration of their stay, and boosting the overall Yatra.
The delegation expressed gratitude for getting an opportunity to share their views, which they felt, were crucial for the socio-economic growth of Katra and the Union Territory of J&K.
Wazir while speaking on the occasion proposed that the massive annual inflow of around one crore pilgrims to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji be effectively rotated towards other religious and tourist destinations in J&K such as Shiv Khori, Nau Devian, Baba Dhansar, Patnitop, Bhaderwah, and Kashmir Valley sites, with an emphasis on improved infrastructure and publicity. They also stressed on the beautification of Katra town on the lines of the Golden Temple and Chandni Chowk redevelopment projects, with underground wiring, better cleanliness, and planned aesthetics.
He called for the completion and enhancement of ‘Ghats’ at Banganga and the introduction of Aarti ceremonies there, highlighting their spiritual and cultural importance. They urged for advanced health facilities at Bhawan, Sanji Chhat, and Katra, with trained doctors and optional BP check-up points for pilgrims. The group also sought a mandatory reservation of 25% helicopter tickets for senior citizens, differently-abled pilgrims, and patients.
Shyam Lal Kesar introducing the concept of ‘Kar Sewa’ on the pattern of the Golden Temple, suggested to involve devotees in voluntary service, reduce operational costs, and foster a deeper connection with the shrine. Other proposals included self-foot washing points before entering the cave, halting further Government or Shrine Board accommodation construction in Katra to protect local hotel livelihoods. He also emphasized for developing Shankaracharya Temple and an amusement Park at Katra.
Virender Kesar and Nishant Sharma emphasized for early execution of the sanctioned Rs 10 crore water supply scheme for hotels, the start of helicopter service from Katra to Shiv Khori, and ensuring the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connects only to the Intermodal Station to safeguard Katra’s economy.
Sachin Kumar Vaishya listened the delegation patiently and assured that sympathetic consideration would be given to each and every point raised in the meeting.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
