Sir,
Your news item on declining yatra at Mata Vaishno Devi Ji needs some inputs which I would like to share with our worthy readers. It’s very true that Yatra is declining since 2011-12 with significant deficit owing to numerous environmental, social and political disturbances etc., But to blame shrine board and its policies for the same is not justified at all. One may agree or not but the board is putting tremendous efforts and lot of money in building roads and infrastructure for pilgrims which is very much visible on ground.
One may ask for the difference to anybody who comes to seek the blessings of Mata Rani on weekly or monthly basis, the kind of facilities he is availing as compared to years ago. Lets come to the point for which some sources owe the reason behind the decline like; new method of registration at YRC (Yatra registration counter). It’s worthwhile to mention that the new system not only gives us the accurate statics of yatra without manipulation but has also proven to be very useful for safety and security point of view which is no doubt the paramount concern of the Board. This is a hassle free, transparent system for the benefit of ‘genuine’ yatries and is very useful to keep touts at bay, who earlier used to line up for fake registration and black marketing by selling free parchis on higher prices. It posed a great risk to the authenticity of yatra and the safety of yatries, involving their identification and medical insurances in case of any mishappening. As far as accommodation at important resting stations like Bhawan and Adh Kuwari is concerned, there is a provision of free space with blankets and one can also avail by paying a vey nominal amount to secure a space for comfortable stay. The work is in progress on building new structures to accommodate more people with modern facilities. The Bhawan area itself is very congested owing to its natural location and to manage a large crowd of 40 to 50 thousand yatris during peak season at such a small place is not a joke. The Bhojnalayas from base camp to Bhawan provide hygienic quality food round the clock on ”no profit no loss basis” to ensure proper meal to each and every soul from the beginning of journey to the end. Such provision at hard station which is 5200 feet above sea level at a minimal cost is very much justified. Free food will encourage people to stay for days, and congestion will hamper the efforts to arrange smooth yatra for which people queue up for long hours and wait for days to enter the holy cave.
If board is providing free light round the clock and pure water to drink, free medical care with other basic amenities and safe track with shelter, it can also provide free langer and stay but to keep law and order in place and huge crowd in order it has to act professionally for the betterment of pilgrims.
Yours etc….
Dr Vikas Jamwal
Medical Officer
(AD) Bhawan
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