Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Nov 16: Regular chopper service to the famous cave shrine of Shiv Khori in Reasi district on the analogy of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine is likely to start from March next year as helipad is ready and work apace on the approach road. Even aviation companies have started approaching Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board expressing interest to operate their choppers between Katra-Shiv Khori and Jammu-Shiv Khori routes.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that helipad having space for parking of four choppers and operation of two helicopters at a time has been constructed on a plateau at a distance of 500 meters from the cave shrine of Lord Shiva. Moreover, 375 meters approach road has been completed and work was apace on remaining 125 meters stretch.
In order to ensure that regular chopper service to Shiv Khori Shrine begins before March next year, the Shrine Board has decided to divert few meters stretch of the approach road in order to avoid the time to be taken in the construction of a steel bridge over a nullah. This approach road will connect helipad with area near Gauri Bhawan, sources said.
About the construction of steel bridge, which is imperative for smooth plying of vehicles, they said, “tendering process for the same was initiated much earlier but due to poor response the work had to be retendered, the last date of which is November 23”. The Shrine Board has given token amount of Rs 10 lakh for initiating work on the bridge and possibility of entire work being funded by the Government will be explored during the Reasi District Development Board meeting scheduled to be held in the first week of December, they added.
They disclosed that several aviation companies have started approaching the Shrine Board expressing interest in operating chopper service to and fro the shrine. “Air Deccan has already submitted Rs 5 lakh worth FD to the District Magistrate, which is pre-requisite to obtain permission from the Director General Civil Aviation”, sources informed.
When contacted, Vice-Chairman of Shrine Board, Rajinder Singh Tara confirmed that within next two months every infrastructure will be in place and from March the Shrine Board would be in a position to start chopper service.
“Soon after completion of work on left over stretch of approach road, we will issue notification for start of service”, he said in response to a question, adding that Tourism Department has shown interest in constructing small restaurant near the helipad and necessary formalities in this regard would be completed during the current month itself.
He disclosed that last year over 19 lakh pilgrims visited Shiv Khori Shrine and during the current year the Shrine Board was expecting the number to go beyond 20 lakh.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, when approached, said that for the widening of Ramsoo Bazar, the base camp of cave shrine, funds have been earmarked under the Special Task Force (STF) and indent has been placed for the acquisition of land.
“All steps are being initiated for the holistic development of areas near the cave shrine keeping in view the increasing number of pilgrims during the past some years”, he further said, adding “the chopper service will help in increasing the number of pilgrims as those who are presently finding it difficult to cover distance by road from Jammu or Katra would have the alternative to reach the shrine”.
It is pertinent to mention here that cave shrine of Shiv Khori depicts the natural formation of Shiv Lingam. It is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The holy cave is more than 150 meters long and houses 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingam, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling. The cave is full of natural impression and images of various Hindu Deities.
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