Katra, June 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today chaired the 75th meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra.
The meeting marked a significant milestone and included the participation of newly appointed members such as Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, and others.
Senior officials including Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari and CEO Anshul Garg were also present.Welcoming the new members, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of their role in managing the spiritual and cultural legacy of the shrine.
He acknowledged the contributions of former Board members and expressed confidence in the fresh team’s ability to further the Board’s mission.
The Board reviewed progress since the last meeting and took key decisions on 21 major agenda items aimed at improving pilgrim services. Among the projects discussed were the Exit Track and Manokamna area redevelopment, construction of new accommodations like Vaishnavi Bhawan and Katra cottages, and the widening of the yatra route between Sanjichhat and Bhawan.
Also on the agenda was the operationalization of the SMVD Medical College at Kakryal.Particular concern was raised over delays in the new helipad project at Village Hutt—a joint initiative with the Shiv Khori Shrine Board being executed by the BRO.
The Board urged its completion by October 2025 to ensure better access for pilgrims. Progress on renewable energy and sanitation infrastructure was also reviewed. A full sewerage network for the Shrine area was approved, and the CEO was directed to present a detailed plan for solar installations to help reduce the environmental footprint.
To improve service quality, the Lieutenant Governor called for an expansion of the Yatri Feedback System to include all services with monthly review and enhanced pilgrim engagement.
He also asked the CEO to explore the engagement of volunteers to assist and guide pilgrims throughout the route.
In light of safety, vulnerable spots on the yatra route will be identified and secured against landslides and other risks. The Board also welcomed the enhanced security setup, including a newly inaugurated Integrated Command and Control Centre and seven sub-centers, equipped with advanced tools for real-time monitoring and safety of devotees.
The Board gave the green light for dedicating five newly built temples in Reasi in July 2025 and approved the construction of five more, ensuring uniform architectural aesthetics that reflect the Shrine Board’s heritage.
Financial grants for institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including the Gurukul, Hospital, and Nursing and Medical Colleges, were also approved to support their ongoing activities.On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated several pilgrim-friendly facilities: a Battery Car Parking Stand, an Outer Cave Shed, Smart Lockers, and a Self-Service Digital Kiosk.
The battery stand will aid elderly and differently-abled pilgrims, while the lockers—integrated with RFID cards—provide secure storage near the Skywalk.Additionally, a new dormitory block at SMVD Gurukul, built at a cost of Rs 71.82 lakh, was inaugurated, expanding its capacity by 32 students.
CEO Anshul Garg also presented a comprehensive overview of the Board’s recent initiatives and updates on previous meeting decisions.
