Jammu: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Monday reviewed arrangements for smooth conduct of pilgrimage to the cave shrine during the forthcoming Chaitra Navratri beginning March 19, and said additional security personnel will be deployed during the period for safety of devotees.
The meeting, held in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage to the hilltop shrine, was presided over by the SMVDSB Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya who reviewed crowd management, security deployment, disaster preparedness and pilgrim facilitation along the entire yatra route in view of the expected surge in devotees.
Additional security personnel will be deployed at key checkpoints, while regular public announcements will guide and sensitise pilgrims, officials said, elaborating on the arrangements.
During peak rush hours, alternate tracks will be optimally utilised to regulate movement and ensure effective crowd management, they said.
Security measures include deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and a multi-tier setup comprising police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other agencies, Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police Paramvir Singh said while presenting a detailed security grid.
Officials also discussed the use of advanced wireless communication systems linked to the Integrated Command and Control Centre to enhance real-time coordination, surveillance and overall security in and around the shrine area.
Strict enforcement of RFID-based yatra cards was also directed, allowing only pilgrims with valid cards to proceed, they said.
Authorities emphasised close coordination among all stakeholders to establish a robust and responsive security framework.
Decoration arrangements were reviewed with instructions to use non-synthetic materials to minimise fire hazards, officials said, adding that fire and emergency services were asked to conduct a comprehensive safety audit and ensure readiness of firefighting equipment and personnel at strategic locations.
The SMVDSB also ordered stringent verification of ‘pithoos’ and pony operators including documentation checks to prevent impersonation and ensure that only authorised service providers operate on the track, they said.
Officials said to ease congestion, a special drive will be launched against unauthorised parking, with vehicles liable to be towed. “Crowd management arrangements at Katra railway station were also reviewed in anticipation of heavy pilgrim inflow during the Navratra period”.
