Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Sept 26: In order to review the security arrangements during Navratra for pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Katra.
Among those who participated in the meeting included Sushma Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Sujit Kumar, SSP Reasi, Dr. M. K. Kumar, Additional CEO, SMVDSB, Sanjay Kotwal, SSP Traffic, Ranjit Singh, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bhawan, Anil Chandel, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Katra, Devinder Singh Bhau, Dy. CEO, SMVDSB, Sumir Kotwal, Additional SP, Katra, Rajinder Singh, Officer on Special Duty, SMVDSB and other officers of Army, CRPF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services and other security and intelligence agencies.
The Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB emphasised the need for ensuring best possible security and all other required arrangements in view of the expected rush of pilgrims during Navratras and to facilitate them in best possible manner.
The meeting threadbare discussed various aspects of the security arrangements being put in place, particularly for the ensuing Navratra festival at Katra, on the track and in the Bhawan area.
Security personnel in plain clothes are also being deployed in Katra and the shrine area to keep an effective vigil.
The DC Reasi directed the SDM Katra and ARTO Reasi to take effective steps to curb the any incidence of overcharging by auto rickshaws and any other agency.
The CEO, SMVDSB requested all the agencies to work in close coordination to ensure that pilgrims return with memorable experience from the pilgrimage.
The SSP Reasi gave a detail presentation on security arrangements being made during the ensuing festival in and around Katra town and the holy Shrine. He apprised that additional forces are being deployed for the purpose.
Joint patrolling of Police, CRPF and Shrine Board’s enforcement wing shall be intensified in the coming days and additional CCTV Cameras are also being installed all over to enhance the vigil. Joint Control Room shall also be functional 24×7 for ensuring immediate response and coordinating various security arrangements among various departments.
The SSP Traffic, National Highway presented a detail plan of traffic arrangements and proposed diversions in Katra town to avoid any traffic jam and congestion on the roads. Recovery vehicles shall also be deployed with additional manpower to take punitive action against traffic violators.
The CEO urged that help of various voluntary organisations be also taken in smooth management of traffic.