Direct helicopter service between Jammu to Panchhi Helipad to improve pilgrimage experience of devotees: LG Sinha

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Wednesday while reviewing the progress of ongoing works, emphasized on timely completion of all projects for the ease of pilgrimage and said that direct helicopter service between Jammu to Panchhi Helipad to improve pilgrimage experience of devotees.

Sinha chaired the 72nd Board Meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) here at Raj Bhawan.

The Board reviewed the progress of its various past decisions, progress of different developmental initiatives and held extensive deliberations on crucial aspects of pilgrim facilitation, ratified and gave in-principle approvals to as many as 27 agenda items to augment pilgrim services and to ensure smooth functioning of the Board.

Early start of heli-service in the Jammu-Panchhi sector and Medical College of the Board at Kakryal, construction of different buildings in various Sectors aimed at augmenting capacities etc. were the major decisions taken at the meeting.

The Board observed that direct helicopter service between Jammu Airport and Panchhi Helipad on the Shrine track will not only bolster emergency response capabilities but also improve pilgrimage experience of devotees.

Sinha reviewed the progress of ongoing works of the important projects including ‘New Vaishnavi Bhawan at the shrine’, ‘Cottages (near Sports Stadium), Katra’, ‘Staff Quarters (G+2) at Banganga’, ‘Covered Holding Area at Adhkuwari’, ‘Yatri Facilitation Centre at Railway Station, Katra’, ‘New Yagyashala at Bhawan’ etc.

The Board appreciated the facade lighting project initiated for enhancing the aesthetics/ambience at Bhawan, Adhkuwari and Darshani Deodi through a captivating visual spectacle and spiritual enlightenment.

Various new projects were also approved by the Board, which include ‘Construction of Exit Track at Bhawan’, ‘Remodelling of Manokamna Area at Bhawan’ and ’Covered Waiting Area at Darshani Deodi, Banganga’.

The Board appreciated the recent steps taken by the CEO towards development of different temples in and around Katra under its social support initiatives.

The Lt Governor asked the CEO to broaden the ambit of this activity by including construction of new temples in district Reasi. He asked the CEO to come up with a comprehensive plan for consideration.

The Board appreciated the Greening initiatives reported by the CEO towards improving bio-diversity and ecological balance of the area. An elaborate ‘Annual Green Plan’ for the year 2024-25 was also approved by the Board. The Board desired that for environmental vibrancy of Trikuta Hills, the option of aerial survey and seed dispersal through helicopters must also be initiated.

The Lt Governor emphasized for evolving a robust pilgrim-feedback mechanism, conventional and innovative means, for fostering continuous improvement in the services being provided by the Board.

Earlier, Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB gave a detailed presentation on the present status of varied activities of the Shrine Board and the action taken for implementation of various decisions of the previous meetings of the Board.

UNI