J-K: Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board reviews preparedness for hassle-free pilgrimage ahead of Independence Day

Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 6 : The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg on Tuesday presided over a meeting with all the stakeholders of the institution to assess operational preparedness of Shrine area for hassle-free pilgrimage ahead of Independence Day celebrations at Katra.
The meeting was conducted at the Spiritual Growth Centre, located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.
It was decided during the meeting that the main function of Independence Day celebrations will be organised in the Shrine Board's Sports Complex Katra where the CEO of Shrine Board will unfurl the Tricolor and take the salute of the March past contingents from JKP, CRPF, Shrine Security, NCC and school children, besides a colourful cultural programme will also be presented by the school children.
A slew of directives was also issued by the Chair to the concerned quarters for movement of vehicles, sanitation and drinking water arrangements and illumination of dark spots at Katra town, besides, physical and systematic improvements wherever required after critical examination.
While laying focus on the smooth regulation of Yatra in line with the directions of Hon'ble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), CEO said that the security measures need to be fortified ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. He underscored the imperative of collaborative efforts among the stakeholders to forge a robust security framework in sync with requirements.
CEO stressed action on diverse fronts for hassle-free pilgrimage in the coming days including issuance and verification of RFID cards, effective crowd management, augmentation of holding areas on the track and in Katra town, working out plans for decongestion of the entire track, particularly the Bhawan area and all-time surveillance through dedicated CCTV network of over 700 cameras.
He further exhorted all stakeholders to remain more vigilant so that no pilgrim without frisking and valid registration enters the track for their pilgrimage.
CEO also reviewed various components of the disaster management measures and directed to make regular announcements and implementation of joint patrolling by the stakeholders.
Superintendent of Police Katra and Commandant, CRPF informed that foolproof security arrangements will be made for the smooth and enthusiastic celebration of the National Day and presented a detailed security grid to be put in place besides, deployment of QRTs (quick response teams) and a multi-tier security grid comprising Police, CRPF and other paramilitary forces.
Among those present in the meeting were the Additional CEO, Joint CEO, Deputy CEOs, Assistant CEO of the Shrine along with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Katra; Tehsildar from Shrine, SDPO Katra & Bhawan, Deputy SPs, and officers from Army and other intelligence agencies.