KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has made elaborate arrangements for the larger number of pilgrims who are likely to visit the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji during Navratras, which are commencing from tomorrow. These arrangements include ensuring proper water and power supply along the track leading to the Shrine, sanitation, availability of special “fast related” food at the Bhojanalayas of the Shrine Board.
In this context, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, reviewed the to-date status of water supply at Katra, enroute and in the Bhawan area at a meeting here on Wednesday. Dr. M. K Kumar, Additional Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, S. C Gupta, Superintending Engineer of the Shrine Board, Executive Engineer, PHE, Reasi and Udhampur, other concerned engineers and officers of the Shrine Board participated in the meeting. It was informed that adequate arrangements of water supply have been ensured keeping in view the large pilgrims flow expected during the Navratras.
Giving details of various arrangements being made, Dr. Bhandari informed that like in the past, the Bhawan of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji, Atka and the area surrounding it have been decorated with flowers. All the routes leading to the Holy Cave Shrine have been fully maintained for movement of pilgrims apart from ensuring sufficient supplies of provisions, food, water etc. along the track.
The CEO informed that Yatra which was temporarily suspended on 4th of this month due to incessant heavy rains was resumed on 8th September, 2014 and since then it is proceeding smoothly round the clock through all the tracks leading to the Shrine. Considering the fact that rail and road traffic is also plying to Katra as usual and there is no hindrance to the movement of Yatris, he informed all the intending pilgrims that they can plan their visit to the Holy Cave Shrine any time during the upcoming Navratras or thereafter.