The revered Mata Sukrala and Mata Bala Sundari shrines in the Billawar area of Kathua district hold significant religious importance for countless devotees. Despite the influx of pilgrims year after year, the neglect of basic facilities at these shrines is a glaring oversight. It has been over a decade since the Shrine Board was constituted to manage these sacred sites. Yet, the lack of progress in improving the infrastructure and amenities for pilgrims is disheartening. In April 2013, an Act was enacted to ensure better management and administration of shrines. By November of the same year, the Board, headed by the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, had taken over the management responsibilities. However, more than 11 years later, the promised improvements remain largely unfulfilled. The situation on the ground starkly contrasts with the expectations set forth by the establishment of the Board.
The basic facilities that any pilgrim would expect, such as proper boarding and lodging, are conspicuously absent. Even essential public conveniences are missing, making the pilgrimage a test of endurance. The absence of adequate facilities between Phinter and the shrines exacerbates the hardships faced by the devotees. A nine-kilometre road from the Billawar Bus Stand to the Mata Sukrala Shrine is deplorable, with damaged parapets, sinking patches, potholes, and landslide debris, making the journey treacherous. Local authorities, when approached, highlighted past repair works rather than addressing the current dire needs.
The failure to convene a Shrine Board meeting for over two years is a significant lapse. Without regular meetings, the Board’s ability to function effectively is severely hampered. The continuous litigation between the administration and the Baridars, who traditionally managed these shrines, has been cited as a major roadblock. Over 11 years have passed, yet there has been no resolution through legal means or negotiation. This ongoing dispute serves as a convenient excuse for the lack of progress, but it is the pilgrims who bear the brunt of this impasse.
The non-functional official website of the Sukrala Mata Shrine further compounds the issue. Launched in 2022, the website was intended to serve as a vital communication link between devotees and the Shrine Board. Its current inactive status is both surprising and disappointing for pilgrims seeking information to plan their visits. The neglect of these shrines is not just a matter of religious or cultural significance; it is a reflection of administrative apathy. The lack of basic amenities undermines the spiritual experience of the pilgrims and tarnishes the reputation of the management. Pilgrimages are meant to be a journey of faith and devotion, not an ordeal of discomfort and neglect.
The Shrine Board and the concerned authorities must take immediate and concrete steps to address these issues. First and foremost, the Board must convene regular meetings to strategize and implement development plans. Resolving the litigation with the Baridars should be a priority, whether through legal adjudication or amicable negotiation. This would remove the primary excuse for inaction and pave the way for much-needed improvements. Moreover, the infrastructure needs urgent attention. The road to the shrines must be repaired and maintained to ensure safe and comfortable travel for pilgrims. Adequate boarding and lodging facilities, along with essential public conveniences, should be established without delay. These measures are fundamental to providing a positive and fulfilling pilgrimage experience. The revival of the official website is also crucial. An active and informative online presence can help devotees plan their visits better and stay updated on the shrine’s activities and developments. The authorities must recognise the gravity of the situation and take immediate steps to address the infrastructural and administrative shortcomings.
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