JAMMU, April 3: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the 72nd Board Meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Raj Bhawan. Key attendees included Mahamandleshwar Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Kul Bhushan Ahuja, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Dr. Neelam Sareen, K K Sharma, Suresh Kumar Sharma, and Raghu K. Mehta. Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor, and Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB, were also present.
The Board reviewed past decisions’ progress and developmental initiatives, focusing on pilgrim facilitation. It ratified and gave in-principle approvals to 27 agenda items, including the early launch of heli-services in the Jammu-Panchhi sector and the construction of the Board’s Medical College at Kakryal.
The direct helicopter service between Jammu Airport and Panchhi Helipad on the Shrine track aims to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve devotees’ pilgrimage experience.
Lt Governor Sinha, also the SMVDSB Chairman, emphasized timely project completion, focusing on projects like the New Vaishnavi Bhawan and infrastructure enhancements.
The Board approved various projects, including the construction of exit tracks, remodelling areas, and enhancing waiting areas. It also commended CEO Anshul Garg’s temple development initiatives and green initiatives.
The Lt Governor stressed the need for a robust pilgrim-feedback mechanism and urged continuous improvement in services.
CEO Anshul Garg presented the current status of Shrine Board activities and actions taken on previous decisions.