Katra Railway Station will be linked with Major States

Ahead of the launch of prestigious Udhampur-Katra rail project, a high level team of senior officers of Railways headed by Railways Board Chairman Vinay Mittal today had a detailed survey of Udhampur-Katra track including Tunnel No. 1, the major hurdle in the prestigious project after which Mr Mittal announced that the train would reach Katra in August or September this year.

Top official sources told the News Agency that the Railways Ministry, whose additional charge is presently being held by CP Joshi after the exit of Pawan Kumar Bansal in much publicized Railways bribery scam, wanted to get Udhampur-Katra railway project inaugurated at the hands of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his June 25 visit to the Kashmir Valley.

“The team wanted to explore whether it would be feasible to run the trains up to Katra after inauguration of the new rail project by the Prime Minister,’’ sources said, adding that the team inter-acted with the local officials, Railway engineers, experts and those engaged in execution of the project to get detailed appraisal of the project.

However, Mr Mittal ruled out such a possibility saying the train would reach Katra in August or September this year.

“All hurdles in the extension of rail track from Udhampur to Katra have been removed. Problems at Tunnel No. 1 ahead of Udhampur have also been overcome. Now the work is in progress of laying track and, hopefully, the train will reach Katra in August-September,’’ he said while speaking to reporters in Udhampur.
Replying to a question, Mr Mittal said 150 to 200 more long distance trains were being equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) while anti-collision devices were also being installed in the trains.

He added that finishing touches were being given to Banihal-Qazigund main railway tunnel.
To a question on frequent delay in arrival of trains, Mr Mittal attributed it to single track at most of the places. He said the long distance as well as local trains run on same track. Unless there were separate tracks for long distance and local trains, some problems would remain, he said, adding that separate track was being laid for goods trains.

The team would submit a detailed report to the Railways Ministry in the next couple of days on the position of Udhampur-Katra rail track.

The team headed by Railways Board Chairman Vinay Mittal comprised Northern Railways General Manager VK Gupta, Divisional Railways Manager, NC Goyal, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Ferozepur Division MM Singh and Divisional Traffic Manager, Jammu, Ram Nath Meena.

The team inspected Tunnel No. 1 on Udhampur-Katra track, which had become a major bottleneck in launch of the rail project to Katra town, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji shrine. The project would have been completed much back but for the problems that cropped up in the construction of Tunnel No. 1.

However, most of the problems that emerged in the construction of tunnel have been overcome and the track was now almost ready barring minor hiccups but, sources said, the Railways authorities didn’t want to take any chances. They wanted the project to be inaugurated only when the trains were able to chug smoothly on the track especially if it had to be inaugurated by no less a person than the Prime Minister himself.

Sources said the Department was mulling to extend Jammu Mail and Samparak Kranti, both Jammu-New Delhi trains to Katra from Udhampur, Delhi-Pathankot Express from Pathankot (Punjab) to Katra and introduce new trains including Katra-Kalka (Chandigarh) Express (bi-weekly), Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Udhampur Express,  (fully air conditioned) and Ahmedabad-Udhampur Express initially.

Besides a set of local trains from Jammu to Katra and Pathankot to Katra could also be introduced to clear the rush of Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims from Jammu and Pathankot to Katra. At the later stage, more trains could be introduced to Katra or extended from Jammu and Udhampur.

Sources said the trains would link Katra to various major stations of India.
Worthwhile to mention here that the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate Banihal-Qazigund railway line during his June 25 visit to Kashmir along with Mughal Road. The Railways Ministry wanted to explore the possibility on whether the project could be ready for inauguration on June 25.

The high level Railways team headed by the Chairman Railways Board that inspected railway track at Udhampur, Katra and Tunnel No. 1 returned to New Delhi this evening. Sources said that work on 25 km-long Udhampur-Katra rail link is almost complete and Railways will hand it over to Commissioner Railway Safety (CRS) for approval to run trains up to Katra.

“Safety clearance from CRS is mandatory for making new line operational. Barring the laying of ballast-less track on the 3.1 km long T1 tunnel, the most difficult tunnel in the route, all other works in the Katra route are nearly complete now,” sources said.

Katra station is ready with three platforms and two more platforms were proposed to be constructed later. With the commissioning of the new route, pilgrims will be able to reach the base camp of Mata Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra without having to break their journey at Jammu.

However, sources were of the view that it wouldn’t be possible to take 30,000 to 35,000 pilgrims daily to Katra by train and other passenger services would remain in force. Half a dozen trains could take 6,000 to 7,000 pilgrims to Katra while others would have to take either local train from Jammu to Katra or travel by bus and other modes of private transport.

The Udhampur-Katra rail route, coming up at an estimated cost of Rs 960 crore, passes through inhospitable terrain, making it an extremely challenging engineering project.
The route consists of seven tunnels and 30 small and big bridges, including a 185-feet high tunnel. A total of seven tunnels span over 10 km of the 25-km stretch.

Govt imposes ban on constructions in Katra

Taking serious note of the mushrooming growth of concrete jungle in and around the holy town of Katra, the base camp of pilgrimage to cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, in blatant contravention of various laws and its adverse impact on the environment and ecology, the State Government today imposed ban on constructions in violation of Master Plan and Civil Laws in this important town of the State.

Highly placed sources in the Civil Secretariat told EXCELSIOR that Government has imposed ban on all types of construction activities in the Katra town (including the area covered under Master Plan 2021 and within the limits of Katra Municipal Committee) in violation of Master Plan or any other Civic Law. An order in this regard was issued by the District Development Commissioner Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.

The order is also in compliance with the interim directions issued by the State High Court in the matter of residents of Ward No.3 Katra Versus State of J&K and Others, sources said, adding “in the case the High Court recently directed that any construction activity to be undertaken by any owner of the immovable property has to synchronize with Civic Laws and the Master Plan and all the authorities including the Katra Development Authority and Municipal Authorities are duty bound to implement the Civic Laws and the Master Plan”.

“Acting on the interim directions of the High Court, the Government began exercise to assess the ground reality and it came to fore that Chief Executive Officer of Katra Development Authority, who is also the custodian to ensure implementation of Master Plan, was finding it difficult to deliver on ground  due to inadequate staff, sources said, “it was also observed that things have been taken up in most casual manner in the most important town in the State from religious as well as economic point of view”.

Notwithstanding rampant and unchecked constructions, neither Katra Development Authority nor Municipal Committee Katra were in a position to explain if the Master Plan and Civic Laws are being followed in letter and spirit, sources said, adding it was also found that Master Plan was approved in November 2007 but even after lapse of more than five years no mechanism was put in place to ensure that land reserved for various civil amenities and infrastructure is saved for the intended use.

They disclosed that it was also found that at a number of places around the township forest area is also visibly encroached upon or attempts are being made to occupy the prime forest and Government land as reported, in some cases, by the Chief Horticulture Officer and Divisional Forest Officer.

Stating that with increasing property rates every available chunk of land is being targeted upon by various vested interests, sources said, “the ban on constructions in violation of Master Plan and Civic Laws has been imposed in order to prevent the important town from becoming concrete jungle and protect its environment and ecology”.

From today onwards constructions will be allowed in a case-by-case manner only after certification by a team of officers from KDA, Municipal Committee and Revenue Department and other authorities as provided under various laws to the effect that it is as per the provisions of the Master Plan and the 1976 Act wherever applicable, sources informed.

A committee comprising of Chief Executive Officer, Katra Development Authority, Town Planner, Tehsildar Reasi, Tehsildar Settlement Reasi, Executive Officer Municipal Committee Katra and Naib Tehsildar Katra to be constituted within a day or two will survey the entire area falling under the jurisdiction of Katra Municipal Committee and the area defined under the Master Plan in order to make inventory of all the constructions post November 11, 2007 when Master Plan came into force.

The team will also classify all the constructions into—having followed the provisions of Master Plan and the 2010 Act; having followed the Master Plan only (if it is covered under exceptions to 1976 Act); in violation of Master Plan; in violation of 1976 Act, where land has not been acquired. Moreover, the committee will also report if any public utility or any construction has been made by any Government/ Semi Government agency in violation of the rules/laws and the Master Plan and furnish detail about the officer heading the project/scheme/work along with present posting details.

“Every month, the CEO Katra Development Authority, Executive Officer Municipal Committee Katra and an officer of Revenue Department to be assigned responsibility separately and stationed at Katra, will submit an affidavit before the Deputy Commissioner Reasi to the effect that no construction has taken place in violation of the Master Plan or any Civic Law by any person as directed by the High Court, sources said, adding “moreover, the affidavit will indicate that any construction to be raised will be strictly in accordance with the permission granted by the Competent Authority and any shortcoming in the affidavit or violation on ground will be treated as contempt of court”.

Additional Superintendent of Police Katra based on monthly reporting of the concerned SHO will file an affidavit to the effect that no violation has been reported. The cases for according permission to various projects/works (housing, industrial, or public utilities or any other provided under Master Plan) will be placed before the Competent Authority /BOCA for approval only after a certificate to the non-violation of Master Plan and Civic Laws is  submitted to the authority to ensure that directions of Court are followed in letter and spirit, sources further said.

In response to a question, sources said that Divisional Forest Officer Reasi will survey the entire forest area around the township, come up with a map of forest land indicating Khasra Numbers, demarcation details and a comprehensive map indicating the present status of forest land. He will bring on record any kind of encroachment in forest area and indicate period of such encroachment. The DFO has also been directed by the Government to file an affidavit every month that no forest land has been encroached upon and effective measures put in place to protect forest land and ecology of the area.

DFO Reasi has also been directed to file a status report on the revised Master Plan of Katra in consultation with CEO KDA and Town Planner indicating forest land proposed to be included in Master Plan for maintaining ecology. The DFO has also been entrusted the job of mapping all the forest areas along all roads leading to  Katra township, along the highway starting from his jurisdiction upto Aghar Jitto, areas surrounding Katra towards Reasi.

“A compartment wise list indicating area and Khasra numbers, indicating boundary pillars and demarcation attested by Settlement Officer will be made available to the office of Additional Advocate General, the  Deputy Commisisoner Reasi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Reasi, CEO Katra Development Authority, Executive Officer MC Katra”, sources said, adding the DFO will display boards along highway indicating forest land and displaying contact numbers of Block Forest Officer, Range Forest Officer, Divisional Forest Officer for information of general public to report any kind of attempt to encroach forest land.

This will also be done by Tehsildar Reasi at prominent places for both State land and forest land and the Additional Deputy Commissioner will monitor the same and submit a compliance report, sources said, adding “all the Government departments owing land in and around the township will map their land as per revenue records and copies of same will be made available in the office of KDA, MC and ADC Reasi every month”.

Natural Cave of Vaishno Devi Opened

Yatris take to old way of darshan at Vaishno Devi

After about an year, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has opened natural and traditional old cave for pilgrims of the Goddess in view of decline in yatra rush due to harsh winter following snowfall and rains in Trikuta Hills for the past few days.

"This is nearly after a year that historic and natural cave of Mata Vaishno Devi ji has been thrown open for the pilgrims to reach sanctum sanctorum to have darshan of natural pindies of the Goddess'', SMVDSB Additional CEO Dr Mandeep K Bhandari said.

He added that the old cave is being opened for six hours (10 am to 4 pm) during the day time. However, the time can be extended depending upon rush of the yatris.

"If the rush remained below normal, the natural cave timings are extended but if it increased, the authorities closed the old cave and divert pilgrims to adjoining new cave for reaching the sanctum sanctorum'', Dr Bhandari said.

Yesterday, 12,000 pilgrims had darshan of Goddess Vaishno Devi amidst chilly weather conditions and rains. Today, about 9000 yatris left Katra, the base camp of the shrine, for the Bhawan.

Worthwhile to mention here that the Shrine Board had constructed two more caves leading to sanctum sanctorum, where three natural pindies of the Goddess are located. The traditional cave shrine was closed by the Board to reduce waiting for the pilgrims after number of yatris started picking up in nineties following take over of affairs of the shrine by the SMVDSB.

The old and traditional cave was opened for few days in January last year. This is exactly after a year that the natural cave has been opened for the yatris.

On an average, about 15,000 yatris have been visiting Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan these days. The Bhawan, Bhairon Ghati, Sanji Chat and track up to Adh Kunwari had experienced snowfall few days back. It rained on the track and the Bhawan throughout the day today.

Official sources said though the new track from Adh Kunwari to Bhawan was operational, the Shrine Board staff was keeping a watch on it since the route was prone to landslides. The track is closed for few hours during rains and re-opened for pilgrims later. However, the old route remained open as there was no threat of landslides on this track, they added.

The Shrine Board was constructing another alternate route exclusively for mules from near Katra to Adh-Kunwari. Work on this track was going on expeditiously and was expected to be completed in a year's time.

After completion of track, the pilgrims trekking to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan and the mules would have separate routes. The mules are not allowed on alternate track from Adh-Kunwari to Bhawan.

Last year 1.01 crore pilgrims had visited holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji, which was an a.ll time record. This year also, the Shrine Board was expecting similar or even more rush of pilgrims to the holy cave shrine.

Rush to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan generally picked up in the month of March when the winter and examination season is over.

Vaishnodevi yatra suspended

Though snow from some sections was cleared by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) by taking advantage of the clear weather yet the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for the third consecutive day today. In the meantime, pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi was suspended this afternoon after seven pilgrims sustained injuries due to extreme slippery conditions between Adhkuwari and Bhawan.

Soon after getting information about pilgrims facing lots of inconvenience due to extreme slippery conditions between Adhkuwari, Bhawan and Bhairon Ghati areas, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, R K Goyal, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari and Additional SP Katra, Mohan Lal, personally conducted the inspection of the track.

Later, the yatra was suspended from Katra at around 2.30 pm as a precautionary measure and all the pilgrims, who had already left the base camp for the cave shrine, were advised through the public address system to adopt utmost caution while trekking the distance between Adhkuwari and Bhawan and up to Bhairon Ghati.

"Though we have removed snow from the entire track yet due to plummeting of temperature the track between Adhkuwari and Bhawan has become very slippery and allowing yatra in these circumstances is fraught with danger", Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, Dr Mandeep Bhandari said when contacted.

To a question, he said that Shrine Board has been making repeated announcements from the public address system advising the pilgrims to move only on that portion of the track from where the snow has been removed in order to avoid any trouble.

"We will assess the situation tomorrow morning before taking any decision vis-à-vis allowing yatra from the Katra", Mr Bhandari said in response to another question.

According to police sources, due to slippery conditions, around seven pilgrims sustained injuries at Hathi Matha, Bhairon Ghati and Bhawan areas last night. All were shifted to Katra Hospital, where they were provided required treatment.

The injured pilgrims have been identified as Gopal, Rajni, Bhumesh, Pinki, all the residents of Delhi, Gourav Kumar of Moradabad, Raju of Rajasthan and Kashi Nath of Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 1A remained closed for the 3rd consecutive day today although the Border Roads Organization (BRO) succeeded in removing snow from some sections and cleared some stranded vehicles particularly between Banihal and Jawahar Tunnel.

Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Shabir Ahmed, said that Border Roads Organization (BRO) cleared Jawahar Tunnel-Banihal stretch of the highway for one way movement of the vehicles at around 4 pm following which all the stranded vehicles were allowed to proceed towards Kashmir valley.

"Ramban to Batote and Batote to Patnitop sections were also cleared partially but road connectivity between Ramban and Banihal could not be restored even one way because of problems at Digdol and Nachlana", he said, adding "we are expecting re-opening of the highway for one way movement of the vehicles by tomorrow afternoon or evening".

According to the Udhampur district administration, Patnitop-Udhampur Section of the highway was reopened for one way movement of the vehicles and some stranded vehicles were allowed to proceed towards Udhampur but with utmost precaution.

The road clearance work was going on between Batote-Assar stretch of National Highway 1B when reports last came in and road connectivity of the twin mountainous districts of Doda and Kishtwar with rest of the State is also likely to be restored by tomorrow afternoon.

Though some interior roads in Doda and Kishtwar districts were reopened today yet almost all link roads in Ramban district continued to remain blocked because of heavy snowfall and administration would be able to start restoration work only after the opening of the highway, official sources said. Similarly, majority of the roads in the hilly areas of Udhampur district also remained closed even today.

Due to closure of the highway for the third consecutive day today, around 300 Kashmir valley and erstwhile Doda district bound passengers have been stranded at General Bus Stand, Jammu.

On the instructions of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, his Political Advisor Devinder Singh Rana, today visited the area and interacted with the stranded passengers.

Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma, Mr Rana informed the stranded passengers that efforts were being made to open the highway and hopefully by tomorrow afternoon they would be allowed to proceed towards their respective destinations in the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses free of cost.

Our Srinagar Correspondent adds:

Summer capital recorded coldest night of the winter after the minimum temperature dropped to minus 5.5 degree Celsius. However, world famous ski resort of Gulmarg was coldest in the Kashmir valley after the minimum temperature dropped to minus 16.5 degree.

Major parts of the world famous Dal Lake were frozen, attracting large number of people, including tourists who were seen taking photographs.

Official sources said several other water bodies were also frozen due to cold. People in many areas complained about water shortage as the water taps were also frozen. Due to non-availability of electricity, water could not be lifted to filtration plants and water tanks.

Famed ski resort of Gulmarg, which experienced more than five feet of snowfall, also recorded coldest night of the season when the minimum temperature dropped to minus 16.5 degree this morning. Earlier, the highest temperature was minus 12.0 degrees recorded on December 23, 2011.

However, hundreds of tourists from different parts of the country and abroad were enjoying the snow despite severe cold. Qazigund, gateway of Kashmir valley on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, also recorded minus 8.4 degrees breaking the previous minus 5.6 recorded on December 26, 2011.

Kokernag in South Kashmir and Kupwara in North Kashmir also recorded coldest night after the minimum temperature dropped to minus 6.3 and minus 5.6 degree respectively. However, famed health resort of Pahalgam, base camp of holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, recorded minus 6.0 degree temperature against yesterday's minus 4.0 degree.

Vaishno Devi yatra crosses one crore in 2011

In a new landmark, pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji today crossed one crore mark for the first time in history of the shrine, setting an all time record.

News Agency had exclusively reported on December 25 that yatra to the shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi would touch or cross 10 million on December 28.

The pilgrimage touched 1 crore at 4.20 pm today, a jubilant Additional CEO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, announced.

Dr Rakesh Vishavakarma from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who had come to darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi ji, became 10 millionth pilgrim when he registered himself for visiting the Bhawan at Shrine Board’s counter at holy town of Katra, the base camp of the shrine, at 4.20 pm.

The Shrine Board authorities brought Dr Vishavakarma and his family to Spiritual Growth Centre (SGC) near Shrine Board’s head office at Katra and facilitated him and his family. They were presented with ‘Mata Ki Chunri’ and a photograph. The entire family would be the guest of the Shrine Board during their pilgrimage. Deputy CEOs SMVDSB Rahul Sharma, Vikas Sharma and Rashpal Singh and Rohit Khajuria, CAO and Director SGC were also present on the occasion.

Dr Rakesh and his wife would be the Board’s guest for next five years, Dr Bhandari said.

This was for the first time in history of the shrine that number of pilgrims in a year has touched and crossed the figure of one crore. Significantly, the magic figure was recorded in silver jubilee year of the SMVDSB.

Mata Vaishno Devi’s shrine has become the first religious place across the country, which is not covered by road, but still received over one crore pilgrims. Some other shrines in the country including Tirupati, Shirdi and Sidhi Vinayak received more than one crore pilgrims a year but they all are covered by road.

To reach Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, the pilgrims had to trek 13 kilometer hills from Katra. Some of them hired the services of pithoos to carry luggage or children and mules. The battery car ferried only 500 odd pilgrims a day from Bhawan to Adh-Kunwari as against the arrival of 30,000 to 35,000 pilgrims per day.

Last year, highest number of 87.2 lakh yatris had visited holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji, located between Trikuta hills at a height of 5200 feet from sea level. This year the yatra was up by 13.05 lakh so far from the last year.

During last three years, pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has recorded about 45 per cent increase. In 2008, 67.8 lakh yatris had paid obeisance to natural pindies of Goddess Vaishno Devi in sanctum sanctorum of natural cave shrine. This year, about 1.02 crore pilgrims were expected to visit the shrine.

News Agency Editor-in-Chief S D Rohmetra has congratulated Governor NN Vohra, chairman of SMVDSB on record one crore yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during the current year.

The SMVDSB was set up by the then Governor Jagmohan in 1986 taking over all affairs of the shrine from the baaridars and 13 kilometers track leading to an era of unprecedented development all around.

The Shrine Board is presently running Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University while Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at Katra (first phase) is expected to be commissioned in next seven months. President Pratibha Devi Patil had commissioned Board’s Spiritual Growth Centre during her visit to the shrine in November this year.

Pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine was just 13.95 lakh in 1986 when the Shrine Board was constituted by an act of the Legislature. The yatra has recorded nearly seven fold increase in 25 years.

From 13.95 lakh in 1986, the pilgrimage to the cave shrine started picking up and crossed 40 lakh in 1995. By 2000, the yatra had crossed 5 million mark. In 2004, the yatra crossed 60 lakh for the first time while it crossed the figure of 7 million recording 74.17 lakh pilgrimage in 2007.

In 2008, the yatra came down to 67.92 lakh due to two months long Amarnath land row agitation but recorded a massive jump of about 14 lakh and went up to 82 lakh in 2009. In 2010, 87.2 lakh yatris visited the holy cave shrine.

Yatra during the months of June, July and August helped in achieving the magic figure of 10 million. The highest number of 11.5 lakh and 11.27 lakh pilgrims visited Mata Vaishno Devi shrine this year during the months of June and July respectively. In August, the number of yatris stood at 10.05 lakh.

During April and May, 9.77 lakh and 8.7 lakh yatris respectively had darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi ji. In September, October and November, the number of pilgrims stood at 8.25 lakh, 8.72 lakh and 6.39 lakh.

In January this year, 4.21 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance to the Goddess while lowest ever yatra of 3.69 lakh was recorded in the month of February. In March, 7.55 lakh pilgrims had visited the holy cave shrine.

In the month of December so far, 5.75 lakh yatris have visited the shrine.

After the SMVDSB took over affairs of the Shrine Board in 1986, the pilgrimage to holy cave shrine started increasing with every passing year due to massive infrastructure generated for pilgrims by the Board along with a number of facilities from Katra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan.

Several rest and guest houses with accommodation for the pilgrims, ‘Bhojnalayas’ at ‘no-profit, no-loss’ basis’, other eatable points, widening of tracks all around, creation of an alternate track from Adh-Kunwari to Bhawan with battery car facilities for aged and infirm pilgrims and construction of two new caves around the Bhawan are just to mention the facilities generated by the Board.

The upcoming facilities of the Board included an exclusive track dedicated to ponneys from Katra to Adh-Kunwari, material ropeway from Katra to Bhawan and passenger ropeway from Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati, for which ground work has already been completed.

Governor N N Vohra, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board congratulated Board on this momentous occasion and desired that the focus of the Shrine Board must continue in the direction of providing better services and infrastructure to the visiting pilgrims. Chief Executive Officer, Raj Kumar Goyal, also conveyed his greetings to the one crore'th yatri and informed that the Shrine Board has been consistently making efforts to improve upon the existing infrastructure. Operation of Manokamna Bhawan Phase-II, starting of accommodation projects like Parvati Bhawan and Ashirwad Complex are the remarkable efforts in this direction, he said.

The work of Sports Stadium and dedicated mule track, new and renewable energy related projects, emergency helipad and ropeway projects are the highlights of the recent achievements of the Shrine Board. There has been a continuous effort to maintain the existing facilities and to provide a very satisfying experience to the visiting pilgrims. Replacement of worn out tiles on the track, provision of better medical facilities, carrying massive plantation for preservation of ecology, Disaster Management Preparedness and such other activities in this direction have been at the focus of the Shrine Board in the interest of pilgrimage.

"Lot of efforts have been made towards improvement of sanitation facilities by carrying dedicated sanitation drives, construction and improvement of the rain shelter sheds and improving the water supply to Bhawan and Adhkuwari as well as the arrangement of power to the Shrine area in the recent past. Commissioning of two major projects i.e. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Spiritual Growth Centre and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul, apart from the opening of the new tunnel leading to Sanctum Sanctorum have been the recent achievements of the Shrine Board,'' Dr Bhandari said.

Emergency hospital at Katra

N. N. Vohra, Governor, inaugurated a newly constructed 30-bedded Emergency Hospital at Katra, the Base Camp of the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji today.This double-storey Hospital, with a plinth area of about 25,000 square feet, has been completed in 20 months by the Jammu and Kashmir Police Housing Corporation, at a cost of Rs. 5.80 crore. The Hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor congratulated Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Health, the State Health Department and the Police Housing Corporation for completion of this Hospital within good time. He emphasized the need for the quality of emergency healthcare facilities being maintained at Katra, particularly keeping in view the emerging needs of the people of the area and the progressively increasing number of Yatris. He added that this newly constructed Emergency Hospital would need to particularly provide medical attention in the areas of Cardiology, Orthopaedics and Surgery to see that there is a progressive decline in the number of patients who are referred to the Government Medical College, Jammu.

The Governor said that with the arrival of train services at Katra in the coming months the number of Yatris directly reaching here will go up considerably and, therefore, there is a need to plan, without any further delay, all vital facilities like wide internal roads, water and power supplies, sanitation, traffic management, etc. to particularly meet the further needs.

Referring to the various development schemes taken up by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the Governor, who is the Chairman of the Shrine Board, observed that the upcoming Material Ropeway Project between Siar Dabri to Bhawan and Passenger Ropeway from Bhawan to Bhairo Ghati are aimed to meet the future requirement of the fast increasing pilgrimage. He added that these two projects are estimated to cost about Rs. 65 crore. He added that Board has also undertaken several other major development projects, for the benefit of the Yatris.The Governor was honoured on the occasion by presenting a memento to him by Sham Lal Sharma, Health Minister. The Governor went around the various sections of the Hospital Complex and enquired about the diagnostic and treatment facilities made available for the patients.Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Health, thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the development of the State, particularly in promotion of healthcare services across the State. He dwelt on various measures which have been taken by the Government to provide best possible medicare to the people in the State. He lauded the State Police Housing Corporation for constructing the hospital building in the shortest possible time frame.

Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA, Reasi, thanked the Governor and the Shrine Board for taking varied initiatives that have led to increase in the pilgrimage,which is expected to cross one crore this year. He referred to several development-related demands of the area. Dr. Madhu Khullar, Director Health Services, Jammu, in her welcome address dwelt on the facilities to be provided at this newly constructed Emergency Hospital. Dr. Adarsh Kumar, Chief Medical Officer, Reasi, presented a Vote of Thanks.R. K. Goyal, Principal Secretary to the Governor  and Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Commissioner/Secretary, Health, G. A. Peer, Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Additional CEO of the Shrine Board, Jagjit Kumar, DIG Udhampur, P. K. Pole, Deputy Commissioner,Reasi, Keshav Chaurasia, SSP Reasi, M. A. Shah, Managing Director, Police Housing Corporation, Heads of Departments and prominent citizens were present on the occasion.

Pilgrimage up by 12 lakh Vaishno Devi shrine

Holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji is witnessing heavy rush of pilgrims during the Navratras. Total pilgrimage during first nine months of this year, which concluded today, have recorded an increase of nearly 12 lakh over the corresponding period last year indicating that yatra to the shrine was all set to touch or even surpass the figure of 1 crore for the first time.

Last year, 87.2 lakh pilgrims had visited the shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi, located between Trikuta hills at a height of 5200 feet from the sea level. With 12 lakh increase during first three quarters, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) authorities were confident that the yatra would cross 10 million mark for the first time in the history.

Though the SMVDSB authorities were anticipating a substantive increase in the pilgrimage in last quarter of the yatra over the same period last year, the yatra would touch 1 crore even if it remained at par in last three months as it has already gone up by nearly 12 lakh.

SMVDSB Additional CEO Dr Mandeep K Bhandari told the Excelsior that 77.75 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance to Goddess Vaishno Devi during first nine months of 2011 as compared to 65.80 lakh yatra in the same period in 2010, recording an increase of 11.95 lakh.

During the month of September, 8.25 lakh yatris visited the holy cave shrine as compared to 6.20 lakh last year, an increase of 2.05 lakh.

During first Navratra, 45,000 devotees offered prayers to Goddess Vaishno Devi as compared to 36,900 last year. On second Navratra, number of the pilgrims stood at 40,047 as against 38,800 in 2010 while on third Navratra today, nearly 35,000 people left holy town of Katra, the base camp of the shrine, for Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The figure was 31,300 last year, Dr Bhandari said.

Authorities were expecting heavy rush to the cave shrine during remaining Navratras in view of ongoing Navratra festival during which many functions were being organized daily.

Last year, highest number of 87.2 lakh yatris had visited the cave shrine. With nearly 12 lakh increase in the pilgrimage till September this year, the authorities hoped that remaining three months of 2011 would also lead to a substantial increase in the yatra, taking pilgrimage well beyond the magic mark of 10 million for the first time.

During the current year, 4.21 lakh yatris visited holy cave shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi in January as compared to 3.99 lakh in the same month last year while the number came down to 3.69 lakh in February in response to 3.77 lakh in 2010. The pilgrimage jumped to 7.55 lakh in March up from 7.22 lakh last year.

In April, 9.77 lakh yatris paid obeisance to the Goddess while the number was 8.78 lakh last year while in May, 8.70 lakh people visited the shrine as compared to 9.14 lakh last year. The highest ever yatra in a month was recorded in June with 11.50 lakh yatris visiting the shrine as compared to 9.19 lakh last year. In July also, the pilgrimage crossed 11 lakh recording 11.27 lakh yatra while the number was 8.40 lakh last year. In August, 10.05 pilgrims visited the shrine as against 7.91 lakh last year.

Police parties led by SP Katra Mohan Lal and SDPO Katra P N Tickoo were supervising security arrangements for the pilgrims. Tight security arrangements have been made for the Navratras.

Navratra Festival at Katra 2011

Div Com inaugurates Navratra Festival at Katra

The 8-day Navrata Festival-2011 took to a colorful start with Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal inaugurating the mega event at the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, by lighting the sacred Jyoti.

The Navratra Festival, 16th in the series, is being organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Administration, Reasi and local organizations.

As a part of the inaugural ceremony, a colourful Shobha Yatra depicting rich cultural heritage of the State was taken out from Asia Crossing to bus stand.

Extending greetings to the people in general and pilgrims in particular on holy Navratras, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, who is also the chairman of Navratra Festival Celebration Committee, said that the Navratra Festival Katra is gaining new heights with every passing year. The Festival provides an opportunity to the visiting yatris from various corners of the country and abroad to have a glimpse of our rich cultural heritage and peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths.

Dr Kotwal said the Navratras have a special significance as the sacred Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji attracts a huge number of pilgrims within and outside the country. With the increasing influx of yatris, efforts are being made to upgrade the basic facilities for visiting pilgrims and local populace of Katra, he said and added that recently sanctioned water supply scheme for the Katra town is a step forward in this direction.

Additional Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Katra, Dr. M.K. Bhandari while speaking on the occasion hoped that the number of devotees would cross last year's record mark and expected to reach one crore this year, adding that the yatra has shown an increase of 11 lakh till date. He said that Navratra Festival would go a long way in attracting the pilgrims from different locations of the country and abroad to the holy cave shrine and further help in boosting pilgrim tourism in the State.

Deputy Commissioner Reasi, P.K. Pole also spoke on the occasion and complimented the people on the occasion of holy Navratras.

As part of the Festival, cultural procession will be taken out from Asia Chowk at 7 p.m., All India Devotional Song Competition will be held at Shri Yog Ashram Air Strip, Katra at 8 p.m. and cultural programme will be arranged by the Song and Drama Division at GHSS, Katra at 8.30 p.m. daily.

Similarly religious discourses on the Ramayana and Bhagwat Gita will be held at Raghunath Mandir from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and International wrestling competition will be held at Multipurpose Sports Stadium, Katra on October, 2 from 2 pm to 6 p.m.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Udhampur-Reasi Range, Jagjit Kumar, Director Tourism, Jammu, R.S. Mehta, SSP Reasi, K. R. Chourisa, Additional SP Katra, Mohan Lal, Joint Director Information, Jammu, Soujanya Sharma, Dy. CEO SMVDSB Katra, Rash Paul Singh, Deputy Director Tourism, Arvind Kotwal, senior officers of district administration, Ex- Minister, Jagjeevan Lal, members of Navratra Celebration Committee, Katra including Shyam Kesar, Rakesh Wazir Shiv Kumar Sharma, Surinder Khajuria, Sardari Lal Dubey, Ambrish Magotra, Verinder Kesar, R.S. Manhas, other members and prominent persons were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, a heritage walk was flagged off from Ambaran Monastery to Jeo Pota Ghat in which a large number of school children including NCC cadets took part.

The heritage walk jointly organized by the Department of Tourism and district administration Jammu was flagged off by Sub Divisional Magistrate Akhnoor Sushma Chauhan.

The school children drawn from Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Akhnoor, and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Akhnoor took part in the walk.