Jammu, Feb 08 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday chaired a meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and took series of decisions to completely transform the Mata’s Shrine and its surrounding region into country’s leading and most vibrant spiritual destination-earning worldwide acclaim.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) LG Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shrine Board approved three key initiatives: an international museum dedicated to Maa Shakti's spiritual heritage, a sound-and-light spectacle modeled on global pilgrimage sites, and a documentary on the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
In another important initiative, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board decided to fill vacant positions, with recruitment process set to begin shortly. The SMVDSB has also greenlit the establishment of coaching centers offering free NEET preparation to youth from surrounding areas.
The SMVDSB approved formulation and phased implementation of a rehabilitation plan for the service providers on Mata Vaishno Devi track, like ponywallas etc, in line with the directives of the National Green Tribunal.
The Shrine Board constituted a committee to assess strategies for expanding pilgrimage numbers, enhancing pilgrimage experience and present recommendations to the board.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board resolved to prioritize purchases from self-help groups, women and young local entrepreneurs to supercharge regional economy.
The Board decided that the SMVDSB would source Mata's offerings locally, channeling funds directly into community growth.
Since Mata's abode puts Katra city on the global map, the board decided to contribute directly for city's transformation.
“It’s Board’s resolve to make Katra clean, vibrant, and equipped with modern infrastructure for residents and the millions who arrive as pilgrims,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board decided to spearhead sports development across the Jammu region—cultivating future champions, safeguarding youth health, and transforming Jammu & Kashmir UT into a national sporting powerhouse alongside its spiritual eminence.
The Board also emphasised on specialised training for religious practitioners (Pujaris).
The Board reviewed and ratified actions taken since the previous meeting and took key decisions on 25 important agenda items aimed at strengthening the Board’s functioning and improving pilgrim services.
Emphasizing pilgrim safety, the Board approved enhancement of insurance cover from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per pilgrim. Besides, endorsed the preliminary concept for constructing an International Museum with the consultation of Asian Heritage Foundation dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi Ji at Natali, Katra. The proposed Shakti Museum will be the first of its kind and would serve as a religious, educational and cultural center. Additionally, the state-of-the-art light & sound shows will bring mythology to life through a fusion of tradition and innovation.
The Lieutenant Governor requested the Board to provide concrete suggestions, enabling the project to be initiated in the coming months and completed within a two-year timeframe.
Progress of major infrastructure projects was reviewed including construction of the Exit Track at Bhawan, New Vaishnavi Bhawan, widening of the Yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, slope stabilization works, construction of Shri Shankaracharya Ji Temple and allied amenities at Katra and School for Divyangjan at Chaitanya Ashram, Jammu. The Board directed strict adherence to timelines while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
Regarding the newly developed helipad at Village Hutt, the Board approved that following execution of a revised MoU, SMVDSB will provide a one-time financial grant to Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board under the Shrine Act for development and upgradation of pilgrim infrastructure. It was also approved that heli services for both Shrines will operate from the same helipad for the convenience of pilgrims.
The Board appreciated the community welfare initiatives of renovating 15 schools in Reasi and Udhampur districts damaged during the heavy rains of August-September 2025 within just five months.
The Board lauded the initiative of establishing a Sadhna Kaksh (Meditation Hall) at Bhawan; terming it a significant step towards enriching the spiritual well-being of pilgrims. Approval was also accorded for grant-in-aid to institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including Gurukul, Hospital, Sports Complex, College of Nursing.
The Board expressed appreciation for the greening initiatives undertaken by SMVDSB and approved a comprehensive Annual Green Plan for 2026–27.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the CEO to reaffirm the commitment to environmental sustainability with particular emphasis on promoting a clean and green Katra Town and its surrounding areas.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor laid foundation stones for several pilgrim-centric facilities aimed at enhancing infrastructure and spiritual experience. These included construction of three new temples in Reasi district, restoration of two ancient temples in Jammu district at an estimated cost ₹1.21 Cr, redevelopment of the Bhairon Ji Temple Complex and construction of staff accommodation at Bhawan and Bhairon Ji.
The Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated newly constructed cottages at Katra and launched an improvised Pouch Prasad containing dry fruits, an engraved coin depicting the Holy Pindies and a sacred Mouli (Kalava) for free distribution among pilgrims.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB presented a detailed overview of the Board’s activities and progress achieved in implementation of decisions taken during previous meetings.
The meeting was attended by all Board Members including Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaran and Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Shri Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma.
Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB also attended the meeting—(KNO)