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United News of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
LG Sinha chairs Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board meet
Jammu, June 24 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today underscored the crucial role of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in managing the Shrine and preserving its spiritual and cultural heritage. Sinha was chairing the 75th meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra in Reasi district. The meeting was attended by the newly constituted Board, comprising members including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB also attended the meeting. The Lieutenant Governor extended a warm welcome to the new members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, highlighting the trust and responsibility entrusted to them. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the new members would make significant contributions to the Board's initiatives, furthering its objectives and enhancing the Shrine's stature. He also acknowledged the dedicated services and significant contributions of former Board Members, and appreciated their valuable contribution in the decision-making processes during their tenure. The Board conducted a comprehensive review of its past decisions; ratified actions taken since the last meeting and made several key decisions on 21 significant agenda items having far-reaching implications for the Board's functioning and enhancement of pilgrim services. The Board took several important decisions regarding various ongoing and new projects including the construction of the Exit Track and remodelling of the Manokamna area at Bhawan, development of a helipad in Katra, New Vaishnavi Bhawan, cottages near the Sports Stadium in Katra, widening of the yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, operationalisation of the Board's Medical College at Kakryal and other initiatives to enhance facilities and services for pilgrims. The meeting reviewed the status of the new helipad project at Village Hutt, a collaborative effort with Shiv Khori Shrine Board, being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Noting delays and revisions, the Board expressed serious concern and directed BRO to complete the project by end October-2025. The helipad aims to enhance pilgrim facilities to Shiv Khori Shrine by providing a seamless and convenient experience for devotees. The Board also reviewed the progress on renewable solar energy initiatives in the Shrine area and directed the CEO SMVDSB to present a comprehensive plan for key installations, in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint. The Board approved a comprehensive sewerage network covering 100% of establishments within the Shrine area to enhance sanitation infrastructure. The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the Yatri Feedback System and directed its expansion to cover all services with monthly monitoring and active encouragement of pilgrim participation, to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery. The Board also directed CEO SMVDSB to explore the possibility of engaging volunteer services to assist pilgrims by addressing their queries and providing guidance along the Yatra route, enhancing their overall experience and support during the pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor further directed for identifying vulnerable spots along the pilgrimage route and implementing necessary measures to address and mitigate potential risks of landslides and shooting stones, ensuring a safer environment for devotees. The Board appreciated the enhancement of security measures in the Shrine area with the inauguration of an Integrated Command and Control Centre at SGC, Katra and seven Sub-Control Centers by the Lieutenant Governor, besides, facilitating security agencies with advanced security equipment to ensure robust security and real-time crowd management for prioritising devotees' safety and security. The Board approved the dedication of five temples constructed in Reasi District to the public in July-2025 and accorded the approval of construction of five new temples with a focus on maintaining uniform architectural design across all locations to reflect the Shrine Board's heritage and aesthetic standards. The Board reviewed and approved financial assistance for institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including Gurukul, Hospital, Sports Complex, College of Nursing and Medical College to support their operations and activities through grants-in-aid. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated several pilgrim-centric facilities including Battery Car Parking stand, Outer Cave Shed, Self Service Kiosk, Digital Cash Register and Smart Lockers. The Board observed that significant infrastructure projects have been initiated by the Shrine Board to enhance pilgrim experience: A Battery Car Parking stand at Bhawan to provide convenience and accessibility to pilgrims, particularly the elderly and disabled. The basement of about 1,000 sqft of parking stand serves as a storage area for materials from the Material Ropeway. Additionally, fabrication of a laminated glass shed outside the Cave area to facilitate smooth pilgrimage regulation in all weather conditions while preserving the area's scenic beauty. 300 Smart lockers near the Skywalk area at Bhawan offering a convenient and secure storage solution were also dedicated to the devotees. These smart lockers are linked with RFID Cards allowing devotees to store their belongings safely and securely. In addition, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated an additional dormitory block at SMVD Gurukul, constructed at a cost of Rs 71.82 lakh which accommodates an additional 32 students, enhancing the institution's capacity and infrastructure to support the growing number of students. Earlier, Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB gave a detailed presentation on varied activities of the Shrine Board and the action taken with regard to the implementation of various decisions of the previous meetings of the Board. UNI VBH RN
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- India Gazette
J-K LG inaugurates CCTV surveillance system with integrated command & control centre at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 10 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated 'CCTV Surveillance System with Integrated Command & Control Centre' at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine 'Cutting-edge technology will enable real-time monitoring and crowd management for safety, security of devotees, and it will ensure hassle-free pilgrimage,' the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Actionable insights gleaned from the system will enable prompt response in emergencies. The Command & Control Infrastructure, including an AI-powered surveillance ecosystem, will provide comprehensive situational awareness, optimise operations and Quick and efficient coordination with emergency responders. The large-scale, technology-driven surveillance and crowd management initiative will significantly enhance safety and security and improve crowd control measures and operational efficiency within the shrine area. Under the project, One Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) is located at Katra and seven Sub-Control Centers along the pilgrimage track for localised monitoring and coordination have been established which will ensure 24x7 monitoring of all vulnerable and high-traffic zones and enable proactive and prompt response to crowd build-up, security breaches, or medical emergencies. Over 700 cameras have been deployed across the Shrine Area, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras and integration of more than 500 existing cameras, covering all critical and vulnerable locations, including entry/exit points, gathering areas, and the pilgrimage track. The Project also featured AI-based analytics & advanced technology mechanisms like Gesture Recognition, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Facial Recognition, Intrusion Detection System, Crowd Management Tools. Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB, gave a detailed presentation on the Integrated Command & Control Centre's technical features and its anticipated benefits in day-to-day shrine functioning. He informed that the Centre is equipped to generate automated alerts for crowd congestion, route blockages, landslides or emergencies, thereby enabling swift decision-making and response. The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the engineers and operational staff at the Centre. He emphasised the need for regular training of staff and seamless collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to maximise the Centre's utility. Notably, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has recently provided advanced security equipments to the security agencies deployed for the yatra management including X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors, and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors/Scanners, to enhance robust security measures in the Shrine area, in pursuance to joint security review conducted last year on the directions of the Lieutenant Governor. Ashok Bhan, Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu, Nidhi Malik, Deputy Commissioner Reasi and other senior officers of Police, Security Agencies and Shrine Board were also present. (ANI)
United News of India
09-06-2025
- United News of India
J&K Lt Governor inaugurates 'CCTV Surveillance System with Integrated Command and Control Centre'
Jammu, June 9 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated 'CCTV Surveillance System with Integrated Command and Control Centre' for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. 'Cutting-edge technology will enable real-time monitoring and crowd management for safety, security of devotees, and it will ensure hassle-free pilgrimage,' the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Actionable insights gleaned from the system will enable prompt response in emergencies. The Command & Control Infrastructure, including an AI-powered surveillance ecosystem, will provide comprehensive situational awareness, optimise operations and Quick and efficient coordination with emergency responders, he said. The large-scale, technology-driven surveillance and crowd management initiative will significantly enhance the safety and security, improve crowd control measures and operational efficiency within the Shrine area. Under the project, One Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) located at Katra and 7 Sub-Control Centers along the pilgrimage track for localized monitoring and coordination have been established which will ensure 24x7 monitoring of all vulnerable and high-traffic zones and enable proactive and prompt response to crowd build-up, security breaches, or medical emergencies. Over 700 cameras have been deployed across the Shrine Area, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras and integration of more than 500 existing cameras, covering all critical and vulnerable locations, including entry/exit points, gathering areas, and the pilgrimage track. The Project also featured AI-based analytics and Advanced technology mechanisms like Gesture Recognition, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Facial Recognition, Intrusion Detection System, and Crowd Management Tools. Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB, gave a detailed presentation on the Integrated Command and Control Centre's technical features and its anticipated benefits in day-to-day shrine functioning. He informed that the Centre is equipped to generate automated alerts for crowd congestion, route blockages, landslides or emergencies, thereby enabling swift decision-making and response. The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the engineers and operational staff at the Centre. He emphasised the need for regular training of staff and seamless collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to maximise the Centre's utility. Notably, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has recently provided advanced security equipments to the security agencies deployed for the yatra management including X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors, and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors/Scanners, to enhance robust security measures in the Shrine area, in pursuance to joint security review conducted last year on the directions of the Lieutenant Governor. Dr. Ashok Bhan, Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu, Nidhi Malik, Deputy Commissioner Reasi and other senior officers of Police, Security Agencies and Shrine Board were also present. UNI VBH BD
Hindustan Times
03-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Shrine Board's archer to represent India at World University Games in Germany
Hritik Sharma, an archer being nurtured at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex at Katra is set to represent India at World University Games in Germany, said officials. Under the chairmanship of the lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of the region's youth, said an official spokesperson. 'As part of this endeavour, the Shrine Board has taken a significant step to support budding sports talent Hritik Sharma, a promising archer from the SMVD sports complex, Katra by extending financial assistance amounting to ₹2.37 lakh to facilitate his participation in the World University Games at Germany,' he said. Sharma has been training at the sports complex since September-2020 and showcased his potential by winning accolades in the Khelo India University Games, 36th and 38th National Games, 19th NTPC Senior National Championship, North zone inter-university championship, J&K UT Archery Championship and 2nd NTPC national ranking archery tournament making him a promising prospect for future sporting excellence. Anshul Garg, chief executive officer, SMVDSB, said that the sponsorship highlights the board's dedication to fostering young talent and enabling athletes in the sports complex to shine globally. He also congratulated three para-archers from the sports complex - Rakesh Kumar, Sheetal Devi and Jyoti Baliyan who made the nation proud by winning four medals, including two gold and two bronze, at the recently concluded Para Archery World Ranking Tournament held in Rome. Their impressive performance contributed significantly to India's overall tally of eight medals in the tournament wherein, Rakesh won double Gold and Sheetal Devi won bronze along with Jyoti. Notably, the SMVD sports complex is currently training over 150 aspiring athletes across various sports disciplines, who have been consistently delivering promising results in national and international competitions. The SMVDSB Archery Academy, part of the complex, has earned the prestigious accreditation under the Khelo India programme by the ministry of youth affairs & sports, Government of India, in recognition of its excellence in promoting sports development and nurturing young talent.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Prayers for peace held at Vaishno devi shrine
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) organised a hawan through sacred Vedic hymns at the holy shrine for invoking divine blessings for peace, harmony and well-being of the people of J&K and the entire nation. Board chief executive officer (CEO) Anshul Garg and other officers and staff participated in the hawan led by a group of pandits. The event held at the yagyashala near Atka area of the sanctum sanctorum was aimed at upholding the sanctity and traditional essence of the rituals while ensuring their alignment with established religious practices. On the occasion, the CEO highlighted that the shrine board has been consistently organising hawans, yagyas and other spiritual activities on significant occasions. He said that a large number of pilgrims are availing the facility of hawan and Nav Chandi Path at the new yagyashala on a routine basis. For convenience, devotees can book services online through the official website of the board. The CEO reviewed the operationalisation of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), along with the sub-control centres on the yatra track focused on enhancing the pilgrim safety and strengthening the security grid.
