After hard persuasions the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has finally taken over the management of two Hindu shrines of Mata Sukrala Devi and Mata Bala Sundari in Billawar tehsil of Kathua district. There was a long standing demand of the people of these places that the Government should take over the charge of the two shrines. The reason for the demand was that of late the number of people visiting these shrines to pay obeisance to the deities increased manifold. As such the management of the pilgrimage to the shrines became difficult for the existing committee. Moreover many more facilities have to be provided to the visitors to the shrine. Consequently the Act came into being by virtue of which the two shrines would henceforth be managed by the Shrine Board. The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu Division will be the chairman of the Board. There will be five nominated representatives of the civil society and four members representing the Government other than the Chairman.
Now that the Shrine Board has been constituted and it will begin functioning without loss of time, people expect that the model of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board will be adapted to improve facilities and other related matters with the Board. It is very likely that in near future the number of pilgrims to these twin shrines will increase further. The newly formed Board should sensibly formulate the plan of development keeping in mind the requirements of the pilgrims who will be coming from nooks and corners of Jammu region. Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board would be the ideal model to follow. The twin shrines are mostly visited by local pilgrims unlike Mata Vaishno Devi shrine where pilgrims come from different parts of the country. Therefore in terms of funds the two shrines will not be as prosperous as that of SMVDSB. Nevertheless effort has to be made to improve and expand the shrine premises, raise a complex for the stay of pilgrims, provide adequate supply of water, electricity and sanitation, and above all provide satisfactory transportation and communication besides a modestly equipped dispensary or emergency ward. We hope that in next couple of years the twin shrines will become prosperous and self sufficient. The Government deserves thanks for taking a right step in right direction.
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