Sanjeev K Sharma
JAMMU, Apr 1: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is contemplating to constitute a Shrine Board for the management and development of revered Fort Shrine of Bawe Wali Mata situated on a hillock at the bank of Tawi River in Jammu.
After a letter from Tourism Department of J&K dated August 9, 2021 sought comments and views for the constitution of Shrine Board for Bawe Wali Mata temple in Jammu, the Deputy Commissioner Jammu and Director Tourism Jammu were requested for the same by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu.
However, Deputy Commissioner Jammu and Director Tourism Jammu in their response stated that setting up of the Shrine Board for Bawe Wali Mata temple at Bahu Fort shall be in the interest of better management of the affairs of the temple and adjoining properties and it will also enhance the overall development of the temple and the historic fort.
Recently, on March 4, 2023 the Divisional Commissioner Jammu wrote a letter to the Secretary Tourism Department J&K in this regard stating endorsements from the Deputy Commissioner Jammu and Director Tourism Jammu to constitute the Shrine Board for the Fort Shrine.
When contacted Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar said that he has to check for the fresh development on the issue but so far there was no new development regarding constitution of Shrine Board for Bawe Wali Mata temple.
Director Tourism, Vivekanand Rai said that inputs were sought from the Tourism Department regarding what it (Tourism Department) can do at the Shrine on establishment of the Shrine Board.
However, the Director assured to update on any new development in this regard when it comes.
The demand for establishment of Shrine Board for Bawe Wali Mata temple remained there from certain sections of the society in Jammu.
It is pertinent to mention here that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was established in late eighties under the provisions of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act to provide better management and governance of the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and its endowments including the appurtenant lands and buildings.
After the establishment of the Shrine Board, the world famed Cave Shrine saw remarkable developments and facilities for the visiting pilgrims.
Even a hospital and university apart from many infrastructures have been established by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board after its constitution and thousands of people have got employment in these organizations.
Similarly Shrine Boards have also been established in J&K for Shri Amarnath Shrine in Kashmir, Sukrala Temples in Billawar and other popular shrines.
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