Jammu: Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board
(SMVSB) will set up a new helipad for ferrying pilgrims to the
famous cave shrine in Jammu district.
A new helipad is being built by the Board in Katra to
cater to the needs of increasing number of pilgrims flying
every day to the cave shrine, 61 km from here, SMVSB officials
said today.
The holy cave shrine is perched at a height of 5,200 feet
above the sea level in the Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik
Range, and nearly 88 lakh pilgrims have visited it so far this
year, surpassing all previous records.
Governor N N Vohra, who is chairman of SMVSB, and senior
officials visited the proposed location for development of a
new helipad to shift operations from the present site.
The Governor, while inspecting the proposed helipad site
on the Katra-Reasi road, stressed the need for ensuring that
all required facilities were provided, like parking place,
food courts and medical aid, besides drinking water and toilet
units.
He also reviewed the progress of ongoing work on the
Dedicated Mule Track from Katra to Adhkwari and asked the CEO
to draw up a time-bound Action Plan to ensure the timely
completion of the Mule Track.
Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art Spiritual Growth Centre will
be thrown open to pilgrims on November 26 at the cave shrine.
The Centre will have a Library Hall, Souvenir Shop,
Auditorium, Exhibition Hall, Conference Hall, Training and
Development Section, besides Meditation and Prayer Halls.
The Governor also reviewed the progress of the upcoming
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at
Kakriyal, Katra.
PTI
First Published: Friday, November 11, 2011, 19:46