Articles by "Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board"
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Hello Jammu News at 12:35:00 PM 0

Jammu, Jul 17: A 50-year-old woman, who was injured in the Siar Baba waterfall accident in the district, today succumbed to injuries at a hospital in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, taking the death toll in the incident to eight, officials said.

A huge boulder had rolled down a 100-feet high waterfall at Talwara village, killing seven persons and injuring 33 others on Sunday last.

The incident had happened when a large number of people, mostly from Jammu district, had gathered at the picnic spot and some of them were taking a bath under the waterfall.

Babli Devi, a resident of Gangyal and one of the critically injured persons, succumbed to injuries at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital at Kakryal near Katra this morning, the officials said.

All the 33 injured were admitted to hospital on Sunday evening and being provided free treatment by the shrine board.

Of them, five of the seriously injured are recuperating in Intensive Care Units while four of whom were operated upon by the neurosurgery team of the hospital.

Five other persons who suffered fractures were operated upon yesterday, the officials said adding rest of the injured are stable and would be discharged in due course.

Immediately after the accident, Governor N N Vohra had directed Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Dheeraj Gupta, to make arrangements for the treatment of the injured.

As per the directions of the Governor who is also chairman of the Board, the entire cost towards the treatment of the injured persons is being borne by the board.

The officials said family members of the injured patients have also been provided food and accommodation and other required support by the Board, within hospital premises. (PTI)
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Hello Jammu News at 8:48:00 PM 0


KAKRYAL, JULY 16: On the directions of Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, 35 critically injured persons in the yesterday’s tragic incident at Siar Baba near Reasi were immediately rushed to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super-specialty Hospital (SMVDNSH), Kakryal, for urgent treatment.
Of those injured, two were declared as brought dead, while the other 33 are undergoing treatment at this Hospital since last evening. Of these 33 patients, 6 who are seriously injured are being managed in the Intensive Critical Care Units, 4 of whom were operated last night by the Neurosurgery Team of the Hospital.
5 other patients, having different types of fractures, shall be operated electively today by the Orthopedics Team of the Hospital. All the other patients are stable and shall be discharged in due course.
It may be recalled that on being informed about the accident, Governor had directed Sh. Dheeraj Gupta, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, to make immediate arrangements for all the injured persons being taken to the Shrine Board’s Super Specialty Hospital at Kakryal. As per the directions of the Governor, the entire cost towards the treatment of the injured persons is being borne by the Shrine Board. Meanwhile, the family members of the patients have also been provided food and accommodation and other required support by the Shrine Board, within the Hospital premises.

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Hello Jammu News at 7:42:00 PM 0

KATRA, JULY 13: As part of the Shrine Board’s continuing efforts for enlarging and upgrading facilities for the pilgrims by adopting the latest eco-friendly technologies, on the directions of Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, a phased programme is being implemented for the renovation and technological upgradation of all Toilet Blocks located along the Katra to Bhawan tracks,  for securing enhanced sanitation and high levels of cleanliness in the Shrine area.
In furtherance of these objectives, the renovation and upgradation of all 36 Toilet Blocks along the tracks has been recently completed at a cost of about Rs. 3.5 crore. Some of the upgraded Toilet Blocks have also been equipped with western style seats to meet the requirements of senior citizens and specially-abled persons.
For the first time, in line with the Board’s multifarious environment-friendly measures, bio-sanitation products based on a consortium of different microbes and extract of plants have been introduced, replacing chemical based reagents for cleaning of toilets.
Continuing with the initiative to add newer facilities for the pilgrims, a new 4-storey earthquake resistant Toilet Block with modern facilities is under construction at Adhkuwari. With a built up area of 8760 sft, this Toilet Block is estimated to cost Rs. 1.67 crore and will become functional by the forthcoming Navratras. It will have an elevator and covered sitting area on the rooftop. All the 7 Toilet Blocks on the recently inaugurated Tarakote Marg have also been specially equipped to cater to all segments of pilgrims, including senior citizens and specially- abled persons.
Meanwhile, in an effort towards water conservation and to reduce the very large quantity of water consumed for flushing of the urinals, all the 324 urinals installed all along the tracks, in Bhawan area and in other establishments of the Board have been converted into waterless urinals by switching over to the “Flush Me Not” programme. As a result of this, every urinal is saving at an average 10,000 to 12,500 litres of water per month, thereby making a net saving of nearly 4 crore litres of water per annum. This cost effective technology besides saving water also saves expenditure on chemical disinfectants by using eco-friendly cleaning products. It does not require any special expertise and is being handled by the local sanitation staff with rudimentary training. This technology has resulted in improved hygiene in and around the urinals and is being widely appreciated.
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Hello Jammu News at 7:57:00 PM 0

SRINAGAR, JUNE 28: After taking charge as CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Sh. Dheeraj Gupta, called on Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of the Board, at the Raj Bhavan today. CEO informed Governor about the to-date progress of the Board’s various flagship projects in Katra and the Shrine area.
Governor advised CEO to ensure time-bound completion of all works and ensure satisfactory facilities for all pilgrims.
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Hello Jammu News at 7:28:00 PM 0

KATRA, MAY 14: Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, held a meeting with Shri Umang Narula, Chief Executive Officer and other officers of the Board to ascertain whether pilgrims had started using the new 7 Km long Tarakote Marg from Katra to Adhkuwari. Shri Anshul Garg, Addl. CEO, informed that the Tarakote Marg was opened yesterday for the on-foot pilgrims amidst chanting of Vedic mantras and performing of havan, yagya and other rituals. Prasad and Chunnies were presented to the first lot of Yatris who walked on the new track.
It is pertinent to mention that Hon’ble Prime Minister of India has kindly accepted the Governor’s request to formally inaugurate the Tarakote Marg on 19th May 2018.          
Mr. Anshul Garg, Additional CEO, and other officers, engineers and staff of the Shrine Board, and a significant number of pilgrims were present when the track was operationalised yesterday noon. About one thousand pilgrims who used the new path expressed their appreciation of this picturesque track and many of them were seen taking photographs to capture the scenic view and the beautiful ambience of the floating fountains at Tarakote. They were particularly appreciative of the ramp style track with a gentle gradient which is easy to walk. The pilgrims were happy to observe that the Board has equipped the Tarakote Marg with modern infrastructure and all the required logistics and facilities.
This track has 6 food outlets which offer hygienic food, 16 water points for providing filtered quality drinking water while more are being added, attractively designed shelter sheds for protection of the pilgrims from the vagaries of weather and shooting stones. Besides, the Tarakote Marg has a fully equipped Medical Unit and 7 Toilet Blocks which also have adequate facilities for the convenience of elderly pilgrims and the specially-abled.
The View Points have been established at conspicuous locations so that the pilgrims can have an eye catching view of Katra, the base town for the pilgrimage, and the area around. Benches have been provided at regular intervals for the convenience of pilgrims.
The entire track has been landscaped and more than 46000 ornamental plants, herbs, flowering and avenue trees having been planted to improveambience of the track. Adequate arrangements have been made for ensuring round the clock sanitation in addition to safety and security of the pilgrims.
The Tarakote Marg has been linked with the existing Banganga-Adhkuwari track at a point which takes off near Gulshan Langar. The 1.5 km link road provides the Yatris the choice of walking on the existing Banganga-Adhkuwari track or on the purely pedestrian Tarakote Marg, once they have crossed the Darshani Deodi.
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Hello Jammu News at 7:33:00 PM 0


JAMMU, APRIL 5: ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ based on the legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji, was staged last evening at the Auditorium of Spiritual  Growth Centre, Katra, by “Natrang”, in collaboration with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine  Board.
Besides Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady; the play was witnessed by an audience of about 350 persons prominent among whom were Dr. S.S. Bloeria, Dr. Ashok Bhan and Maj. Gen (Retd.) Shiv Kumar Sharma, Members of Shri Mata Vaishno  Devi Shrine Board; Mr. D.C. Raina and Prof. Chander Mouli Raina, Members of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Dr. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Brigadier (Dr.) M.M. Harjai, CAO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.
After the presentation of this attractive play Governor interacted with Sh. Balwant Thakur, Director of ‘Natrang’ who wrote and directed the play. He also met all the 70 artists and congratulated them for their outstanding performances, and presented mementos to each of them.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Balwant Thakur spoke about the aims and objectives of conceptualising this musical production. He added that 18 shows of ‘Mata Ki Kahani’ were staged by Natrang as part of Navratra Festival at Katra.
 The noteworthy feature of the presentation is its highly creative style which keeps the audience spell bound throughout the performance and magically unfolds the entire legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji in less than an hour.
 Among those present on the occasion were Mr. Prasanna Ramaswamy G. Deputy Commissioner Reasi; Dr. M.K. Kumar and Mr. Anshul Garg, Additional CEOs of the Shrine Board; Mr. Tahir Bhat, SSP Reasi; Civil, Police, Raj Bhavan and Shrine Board officers; Faculty and students of SMVD Gurukul and SMVD College of Nursing; staff of the Board and their families.

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Hello Jammu News at 7:23:00 PM 0


JAMMU, MARCH 17: Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, today visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and reviewed the important infrastructure development projects which are under completion in the Shrine area.
The Governor, accompanied by Dr. M. K. Kumar, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Mr. M. M. Gupta, Chief Engineer, and other concerned officers and engineers of the Shrine Board, inspected the work on the installation of Passenger Ropeway between Bhawan and Bhairon Ghati, visited the new floor created on the terrace of Manokamna Bhawan-II for establishing Automatic Fare Collection Counters and Gateway, the waiting area for the Ropeway passengers, the ramp leading to the Ropeway Cabins. He directed that proper regulatory mechanisms should be put in place and the two way speed of the Ropeway synchronised with the maximum haltage period at Bhawan Temple to ensure against any overcrowding or stampeding.      
Mr. R. K. Sharma, Joint General Manager of M/s RITES informed Governor that the installation of mechanical components of the Passenger Ropeway has been completed and the Board’s Chief Engineer informed that the allied works of the Ropeway are in the advanced stage of completion and work has been started on the installation of Automatic Fare Collection System.
 Governor also took stock of the to-date status of the installation of Siar Dabri-Bhawan Material Ropeway which is in the advanced stage of completion and will be put to trial within a fortnight. He asked Chief Engineer, Mr. Gupta to prepare detailed engineering drawings for early start of work on Exit Track Extension, from the Bhawan  onwards.
Governor travelled on the upcoming Tarakote Marg and reviewed the various aspects of the construction of rain shelter sheds where the work of erection of tubular poles, trusses and laying of purling is presently in progress.
Earlier, the Governor visited the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji along with the First Lady, Mrs. Usha Vohra, and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of the State.
On the eve of auspicious occasion of commencement of Navratras from tomorrow, the Governor reviewed the arrangements for the large number of pilgrims who are expected to visit the Shrine during Navratras as also in view of the summer months ahead.

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Hello Jammu News at 8:13:00 PM 0


JAMMU, MARCH 12: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is shortly launching a totally redesigned Palki for the much greater comfort of the pilgrims and convenience of the Palkiwallahs. The new highly comfortable, much lighter weight, sturdier and aesthetically designed Palkis have been developed by a team of the Industrial Design Centre of IIT Bombay and National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), Mumbai, in continuing collaboration with the Shrine Board.
It is pertinent to recall that the idea of improving the traditional  Palkis was deliberated in a meeting held at Raj Bhavan in December 2014 between Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Dr. R. Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India when it was decided that University of Jammu shall act as the nodal point for the functioning of the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) which, with support from IIT, Delhi and other technology institutions will assist the Shrine Board to undertake varied technology upgradation tasks. Among the decisions taken during discussions between Governor Vohra and Dr. Chidambaram, it was agreed that the traditional Palkis shall be got redesigned through a team of IIT Bombay headed by Prof. B.K. Chakravarthy in collaboration with NITIE. Governor has been regularly reviewing the progress of the project to develop an improved Palki of superior design and much less weight, which is being done with the technical assistance of the Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay, under the overall supervision of Dr. Chidambaram.
In the past 4 years, since the conception of the project by the Governor, several designs and prototypes of the improved Palkis have been developed, trial runs have been conducted and modifications made which were based on the feedback provided by the Palkiwallahs. Under the aegis and support of the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG), Mechanical Engineering students from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University have also been involved in the trial runs of the newly designed Palkis, based upon the continuing feedback from the Palkiwallahs. Some of the Palkiwallahs were also taken to IIT Bombay to provide first-hand feedback regarding the efficacy of the modified Palkis. They have also been imparted training on the use of the improved Palkis.
As of now, 10 newly designed aluminium based Palkis have been received by Sh. Anshul Garg, Additional CEO on behalf of Shri Umang Narula, CEO of the Shrine Board, and these are presently plying on the track on a demonstration basis. 90 more Palkis, which are being manufactured, will be available next month. The entire batch of 100 such Palkis is scheduled to be formally launched by Chairman Vohra.
The newly designed Palkis are 30 kg less in weight than the erstwhile traditional Palkis. This provides very significant convenience to the Palkiwallas to carry pilgrims. The new Palkis have been developed based on ergonomic studies to make the journey comfortable for the pilgrims. Besides presenting a pleasing aesthetic look, the redesigned Palkis are sturdy and can carry weights more than 100 kg. 

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Hello Jammu News at 7:28:00 PM 0


JAMMU, NOVEMBER 30: Raj Bhavan bade farewell to Sh. Jitendra Kumar Singh, I.A.S. Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
After serving in the State for almost 10 years, Sh. Singh is leaving J&K to join the Jharkhand Cadre.

Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, expressed appreciation of the devotion with which Sh. Singh has  been working, first as Additional CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (February 2015- August 2017) and  later as CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (24th August 2017 till date). Governor wished Sh. Singh high success in his future career.
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Hello Jammu News at 7:28:00 PM 0


JAMMU, NOVEMBER 20: Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, chaired a meeting of the Committee of the Board (comprising Jammu based Members of the Board) to discuss issues relating to mule owners/handlers operating on the track between Katra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The Meeting discussed a note prepared by the Chief Secretary, in compliance to the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), in the matter Gauri Maulekhi Vs. State of J&K and Ors.
The meeting, held at the Raj Bhavan Jammu, was attended by Shri B.B. Vyas, Chief Secretary (and Member of the Board); Dr. S. S. Bloeria, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Mr. H. L. Maini and Maj. Gen. (Retd) Shiv Kumar Sharma, all Jammu based Members of the Board. Dr. M. K. Kumar, Additional CEO of the Shrine Board, participated in the discussions.
The Meeting discussed the NGT’s directions and the issues relating to the rehabilitation of mule operators and agreed as below:
(i) For the satisfactory management of the pilgrimage to the Holy Cave Shrine the availability of a given number of ponies shall necessarily be required, to meet the requirements of the pilgrims.
(ii) In the context of the complaints/protestations organized by the pony operators (in the wake of NGT’s directions to State Government), which were supported by political parties/leaders, the CoB were of the view that, for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the Yatra the State Government should take an overall view in the matter, particularly keeping in mind that a much larger number of pony/mule operators support the Shri Amarnathji Yatra. CoB also noted that ponies were in demand by tourists visiting Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and other places of tourist attraction.
(iii) In view of (i) and (ii) above, CoB urged Chief Secretary to timely seek the State Cabinet’s directions in the matter.

Governor emphasised the need for a holistic/harmonious view being arrived at for time bound measures being taken to ensure the best possible rehabilitation of all the registered mule owners/handlers.
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Hello Jammu News at 9:56:00 PM 0

SRINAGAR,  JULY 5: Consequent upon the State Government’s decision of 28th June, 2017, to withdraw the Service Tax which had been imposed on Helicopter Services operating in the State with effect from September 2015, Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of both Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had directed Shri Umang Narula, CEO of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and Shri A.K. Sahu, CEO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to review the existing helicopter fares.
CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has informed Governor that the one way air fare for heli-travel on the Neelgrath-Panjtarni Sector stands immediately reduced by Rs. 192 i.e. from Rs. 1,715 to Rs. 1,523 per passenger and on the Pahalgam-Panjtarni sector the one way fare is reduced by Rs. 300 from Rs. 2950 to Rs. 2650.
In respect of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, CEO has reported that the one way passenger fare for heli-travel between Katra and Sanjichhat stands reduced by Rs. 120 per passenger i.e. to Rs. 957 against the earlier fare of Rs. 1,077.
In case of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board Helicopter Services are being provided by UTair India Pvt Ltd and Global Vectra Helicop Ltd for the Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath Sector and Himalayan Heli Services Pvt Ltd for the Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam Sector and their authorized agents, whose details are available on the website of the helicopter operators, a link for which has also been provided on the SASB websitewww.shriamarnathjishrine.com.
For Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the heli-services are run by M/s Global Vectra Helicopter Ltd and M/s Himalayan Heli Services Pvt Ltd, for operation of heli-services in the Katra-Sanjichhat-Katra Sector.
It is pertinent to recall that both Boards have been making continuing endeavours to provide improved services to pilgrims visiting the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
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