SMVDSB Assesses Yatra Readiness in Anticipation of New Year

Katra, Dec 24: In preparation for the anticipated influx of pilgrims during New Year 2025, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) convened a review meeting today to finalize essential arrangements.This meeting, held under the guidance of the Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), was led by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB. Senior…

Katra, Dec 24: In preparation for the anticipated influx of pilgrims during New Year 2025, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) convened a review meeting today to finalize essential arrangements.
This meeting, held under the guidance of the Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), was led by Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB. Senior officers from the Shrine Board, security agency representatives, and other significant stakeholders participated.
The Chief Executive Officer instructed relevant authorities to implement necessary measures for Yatra management, emphasizing security protocols through RFID card usage and crowd control strategies to alleviate congestion, especially around the Bhawan area. To facilitate a smooth pilgrimage, separate entry and exit routes will be established at the Bhawan, bolstered by over 700 CCTV cameras ensuring continuous surveillance for the safety of pilgrims, he noted.
Furthermore, the CEO highlighted that security personnel should permit only pilgrims with valid RFID cards to proceed on the Yatra and recommended the deployment of additional handheld scanners and adequate staffing to ensure compliance. He also advised regular public announcements to help manage crowd flow on the track and maintain an orderly passage for pilgrims.
During the meeting, he underscored the need for cooperation among all involved parties to achieve these goals and reiterated the importance of disaster preparedness measures, directing monitoring of at-risk areas and joint patrolling initiatives. Additionally, directives were issued for the effective regulation of vehicle movement, enhanced sanitation, drinking water provisions, and improved lighting along the track and in the Katra area. Special attention was directed towards addressing traffic issues stemming from unauthorized parking, with plans for a dedicated drive to tow away offending vehicles.
Security agencies presented a comprehensive action plan that included the use of drones and CCTV systems for real-time oversight, alongside the deployment of extra security personnel and quick response teams (QRTs). The chair was informed that a multi-tier security framework, comprising police and paramilitary forces, will be established to ensure the Yatra’s safe and smooth operation. The meeting concluded with explicit instructions to facilitate a hassle-free pilgrimage for all devotees.
Attendees of the meeting included the SSP of Reasi, Jt. Chief Executive Officer & Dy. Chief Executive Officer of SMVDSB, Sub Divisional Magistrate of Bhawan, SP of Katra, Asstt. CEOs of SMVDSB, SDPO Katra, Tehsildar, ACF of SMVDSB, along with officials from IB, CID, SMVDSB, and other intelligence entities.

Most popular

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *