Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, July 30: Shiv Khori Shrine Board, which met under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal here today, took several important decisions for attracting more pilgrims to this revered shrine.
At the outset of the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Sushma Chauhan, who is also the Vice Chairperson of the Board briefed about the agenda and other activities being taken up by the Board. She said that due to the continuous efforts made by the Board and civil administration in providing better infrastructure and facilities to the pilgrims, the number of yatries who visit the holy shrine has continuously increased and this year 6,71,231 pilgrims have paid obeisance, adding that the Board so far has earned an income of Rs 10.65 crore mainly by way of donations and other sources.
During the meeting, the Board approved the works plan of the current financial year to the tune of Rs 3.65 crore for creating various infrastructure facilities from base camp Ransoo to Shiv Khori Shrine which includes the development of the approach road to the helipad, construction of ropeway from base camp Ransoo to cave shrine, upgradation of first 500m track, construction of overhead sheds both on the entrance and exit of the holy cave.
Besides, the Board also decided to undertake a publicity campaign by way of installation of hoardings and flex banners at various prominent locations like Jammu-Katra Railway Station and Jammu-Katra Bus Stand and other places so that the tourists visiting the State are made aware about the shrine and the facilities being provided there.
Taking a step further in the direction to provide better facilities to devotees, the Chairman inaugurated the website of the Shiv Khori Shrine Board. Besides detailing various facilities available to yatries, the website also provides an online payment gateway for making donations online to the Board.
The Board also approved the proposal of outsourcing the Shiv Shakti Bhawan (TRC Ransoo) and the newly constructed guest house building at Ransoo for providing boarding and lodging facilities to the yatries. Taking into consideration the sentiments of the yatries, who would like to take bath in Doodh Ganga in Ransoo base camp, the Board approved the proposal of renovating the bathing ghats at the banks of Doodh Ganga. The Board also approved the proposal of installation of the railings at various vulnerable locations on the track and also directed the Superintendent of Police Reasi to take all requisite steps so that no un-toward incident takes place. Further, in order to provide better eating facilities to the pilgrims, the Board also approved the construction of two eating points, one near the Holy Cave and another at Ransoo base camp.
About employees of the Board, who have been demanding their regularization, which was delaying because of non formulation of the bye laws of the Board, the Chairman directed that a committee be constituted for examination of the draft bye laws which would submit its recommendations to the Board in a time bound manner.
The Chairman also directed the Director Tourism Jammu to repair all the lights and electric poles on the track which have been set up by the Directorate. He further emphasized that the construction work of the Bus Stand Ransoo and beautification of the Ransoo Bazar be expedited.
Ajay Nanda, MLA Reasi, Ajit Kumar Sahu CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra, Sujit Kumar, Superintendent of Police Reasi, Shiv Kumar Gupta, Additional Deputy Commissioner Reasi, non official members of the Board namely Ravi Magotra, Advocate B.S. Slathia, Sardari Lal Dubey, Arun Gupta and Anupama Sharma also attended the meeting.
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