Pre-paid services of ponies, pithus, palkis
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 26: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has been focussing on pilgrim centric services continuously by increasing accommodation facilities at nominal rates. And, in this direction, Durga Bhawan has been coming up at Rs 28 crore to accommodate 2500 pilgrims on a daily basis.
It will have free accommodation, lockers and Bathing Ghats which will help the pilgrims a lot.
The Shrine Board has also been providing Online Heli and Battery Car Services available for senior citizens, women and specially abled persons, hygienic food at nominal rates in various Bhojnalayas all along the tracks including newly inaugurated Sidhidatri in Niharika Bhawan.
SMVDSB Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anshul Garg has been constantly reviewing all facilities for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims at base camp of Katra and all along the track.
The Shrine Board has also introduced Panchmeva Prasad at Rs 25 only per pack which is packed in hygienic conditions with shelf life of 6 months.
As many as eight Hi Tech Video Walls and Multipurpose Audio system have been installed on the track for announcements including advisories and live Aarti for devotees.
Pre- Paid bookings for Ponies, Pithus and Palkis along with RFID based tracking has also been introduced by the Shrine Board.
Special fruit and flower based decorations during Navratras will be done next month.
Around 800 devotees can participate in Altka Aarti and online bookings available for the purpose.
A series of measures for safety and security of the yatris have also been introduced which include upcoming RFID based Yatra Cards for tracking pilgrims and effective management on the track and free accidental insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to each pilgrim.
“Slope stabilization measures including Wire Mesh, etc have been initiated to mitigate adverse impacts from landslides and shooting stones being a quake prone area,” the officials said.
As far as Eco friendly practices are concerned, the Shrine Board has a network of Sewage treatment plants to treat and re-use waste water.
“Scientific collection and disposal of all wastes including Mule Dung, Kitchen Waste and plastic waste generated on the track is being done. Electric Battery Cars are plying from Adhkuwari to Bhawan to avoid pollution while 13 lakh trees have been planted on Trikuta and adjacent hills over the decade as part of Annual Greening Plan with 2 lakh saplings being raised in house at Kunia Nursery.
The Shrine Board has also been providing education in Gurukul and SMVDCoN.
Follow our WhatsApp channel