NEWS DESK
In view of the anticipated heavy influx of pilgrims during the New Year, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Tuesday reviewed comprehensive arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees.
According to reports the review meeting was presided over by Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Sachin Kumar Vaishya and was attended by senior officers of the Shrine Board, District Administration, representatives of security agencies and other key stakeholders.
The CEO directed the concerned authorities to further strengthen Yatra management and security measures, particularly along the track and at the Bhawan.
Multi-tier security grid, comprising personnel from the Police, CRPF and Shrine Board security, supported by Quick Response Teams (QRTs), has been put in place, in and around Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and all across the track for swift action to ensure safety of heavy influx of pilgrims during the new year 2026.
The meeting was convened, as per the directions of the Chairman, SMVDSB Lieutenant Governor, J&K Manoj Sinha, to review comprehensive arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees, in view of the anticipated heavy influx of pilgrims during the new year–2026.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Shrine Board, district administration, representatives of security agencies and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) directed the concerned authorities to further strengthen Yatra management and security measures, particularly along the track and at the Bhawan.
Emphasis was laid on strict regulation of the Yatra through RFID-based access control, ensuring that only pilgrims possessing valid RFID cards were permitted to proceed. He also instructed for the deployment of additional handheld RFID scanners and adequate manpower at key checkpoints to avoid any lapses.
The CEO was informed that a comprehensive training programme was conducted at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), SGC Katra.
Accordingly, joint round-the-clock monitoring is being undertaken, with special focus on high-footfall and congested locations, to ensure real-time surveillance, prompt response and enhanced situational awareness.
The representative of the Fire and Emergency Services was tasked with deploying firefighting vehicles at strategic points along the track and conducting a comprehensive fire safety audit of the shrine area to further strengthen existing safety mechanisms.
The CEO underscored the importance of strict adherence to prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reiterated the need for meticulous compliance across all aspects of disaster preparedness.
Vaidya also emphasised converting the existing sound system installed along the track into a fully functional Public Address System to facilitate timely dissemination of important announcements. Additionally, the concerned agencies were directed to ensure proper verification of individuals employed in private establishments and service operators on the track, in order to safeguard the sanctity of the shrine area and the safety of pilgrims.
Special emphasis was laid on addressing traffic bottlenecks caused by unauthorized parking, particularly in the Banganga area and the Tarakote Marg.
The need for strict regulation and coordinated enforcement was highlighted to ensure smooth vehicular movement.
CEO gave clear directions to all concerned to ensure seamless coordination, heightened vigilance and a safe, secure and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for all devotees visiting the holy shrine during the new year period.
The meeting was attended by the Additional CEO, SMVDSB; SSP, Reasi; Joint CEO, SMVDSB; SDM, Katra and Bhawan; SP, Katra; Commandant, CRPF; Assistant CEOs, SMVDSB; SDPOs, Katra and Bhawan; ACF, SMVDSB; and representatives of the Fire and Emergency Services and other allied agencies.