Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Mar 16: In view of the forthcoming Chaitra Navratras commencing from March 19, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) convened a meeting to review the arrangements for ensuring smooth conduct of the Yatra and facilitating the large influx of pilgrims expected to visit the holy shrine during the Navratras.
The meeting was presided over by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB and detailed deliberations were held on various aspects of Yatra management including crowd regulation, security deployment, disaster preparedness and pilgrim facilitation along the entire track leading to the holy shrine.
While reviewing decoration arrangements, emphasis was laid on the use of non-synthetic materials to curtail fire hazards. The representative of the Fire and Emergency Services was directed to conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit of the track and the shrine area and ensure the operational readiness of fire-fighting vehicles and personnel at strategic locations to strengthen emergency response during the Navratras.
The concerned quarters were directed to strictly enforce the RFID-based Yatra Cards, ensuring that only pilgrims possessing valid RFID cards are permitted to undertake the Yatra. It was also decided that during periods of heavy rush, the alternate tracks will be optimally utilized to regulate pilgrim movement and ensure effective crowd management.
The meeting further emphasized stringent verification of Pithoos and Ponywallas including regular documentation checks, to prevent impersonation and ensure that only authorized service providers operate along the Yatra track. The deployment of additional security personnel was also deliberated to further strengthen area domination and maintain strict vigil. Besides, the use of advanced wireless communication sets for seamless coordination was discussed.
Special attention was also drawn towards addressing traffic congestion caused by unauthorized parking and it was decided that a special enforcement drive will be undertaken to tow away such vehicles. Besides, arrangements for effective crowd management at the Railway Station, Katra were also reviewed in detail.
The SSP Reasi presented a detailed security grid which includes deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and a multi-tier security setup comprising Police, CRPF and other security agencies.
Among others, the meeting was attended by the Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; S P Katra; SDM Bhawan; Assistant CEOs, SMVDSB; Tehsildars, Katra & SMVDSB; SDPOs Katra & Bhawan; officers from CRPF and Army; ACF, SMVDSB and representatives from Fire & Emergency Services and other allied agencies.
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