* Directions issued for speedy completion of development projects
Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Mar 28: N. N. Vohra, Governor and Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, today visited the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and spent several hours in reviewing the facilities for the pilgrims and taking stock of the various ongoing development works in the shrine area.
He also travelled on the new track from Adhkuwari to Katra which is being built to enlarge and upgrade the infrastructural facilities for meeting the emerging requirements of the pilgrimage.
On the auspicious occasion of Ramnavmi, the Governor paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity of the State. He was accompanied by H. L. Maini, Member and Technical Consultant of the Shrine Board, Dr. M. K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Dr. M. K. Kumar and B. Mohandaas, Additional CEOs, Sushma Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Sujit Kumar, SP Reasi and officers of the Shrine Board.
While inspecting the work for the expansion of the Atka area, the Governor issued instructions for this project being fully completed on speedy basis. He also requested Mr Maini to very early finalize the Master Plan of the Shrine area which incorporates all the required modern facilities for facilitating the visiting pilgrims.
Taking stock of the status of construction of Bhairon Ghati Passenger Ropeway between Bhawan and Bhairon Temple, the Governor was informed by the CEO that the execution of civil work on the lower terminal has started and this project is expected to be completed by end of December this year. Work for the construction of the Trikuta Hills Material Ropeway, from Siar Dabri to Bhawan, has since been allotted and would take 24 months for completion. The Governor emphasised the need to ensure completion of both these projects within the envisaged timelines.
On way from Bhawan to Katra, the Governor inspected the ongoing work on widening and retiling of the alternate track and construction of shelter sheds and installation of wire mesh fencing from Bhawan to Adhkuwari. He directed that these works, on the remaining stretches of the track, must be completed speedily to facilitate comfortable travel of the pilgrims. He also issued instructions for renovating and upgrading the existing toilet blocks within a definite time frame.
The Governor also inspected the ongoing work on putting in place various wayside facilities on the new track being constructed between Katra and Adhkuwari. These works include construction of toilet blocks and view points; water and power supply; construction of drains; retaining and breast walls; tiling of the track and erection of wire mesh fencing along the track. He directed the CEO that, if required, additional manpower and logistics need to be mobilised to complete all the wayside facilities on this new track at the earliest as this track, meant for the movement of on-foot pilgrims, will help in decongesting the existing track between Katra and Adhkuwari.
The Governor also took stock of the to-date status of Rs. 45 crore project being executed by the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation for securing the stabilization of the mountain slopes and for ensuring against falling stones and land-slides on the track. He asked the CEO for taking immediate measures to see that work is also started for the treatment of the other identified vulnerable sites. In the first phase, work has been taken up for the treatment of 5 most vulnerable sites on the Track between Katra and the shrine.
The Governor inspected the progress of installation of a state-of-the-art Multi Purpose Audio System along the entire track from Banganga to Bhawan to enhance the ambience for the pilgrims moving on the track. The CEO informed the Governor that Optical Fibre Cable has already been laid on a large portion of the track and speakers have also been installed and made operational between Adhkuwari and Bhawan. He added that this facility will also be used to provide linkage for the functioning of several important services, particularly CCTV, LAN and EPABX and for making public announcements in the event of any emergency.
Later, the Governor inspected the upcoming Multipurpose Sports Stadium being constructed by the Shrine Board at Katra under its Social Responsibility Scheme and reviewed to-date status of its various components. He inspected the pavilion, grounds, natural grass turf which has been laid and automatic popup sprinkle irrigation system.
He asked the CEO for drawing up a calendar of activities of sports and games to optimally utilise this facility. Dr. Bhandari informed the Governor that an indoor activities hall, table tennis, volleyball and basketball courts have been already completed. Provision for parking of 250 vehicles has also been made in the stadium. He said that plantation has also been undertaken along the boundary wall of the stadium to enhance the environment and aesthetics of this facility. He further informed that the work is apace on the construction of 3 main gates of the stadium and this project estimated to cost Rs. 10.76 crore, is at its final stages of completion.
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