On the occasion of the forthcoming Chaitra Navratri, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg has reviewed the operational preparedness at the Spiritual Growth Centre, underlining the importance of integrated efforts among all stakeholders and security agencies to manage the expected surge of pilgrims during the 9-day Navratri festival.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Executive Officer Shrine Board Alok Maurya, SSP Security, SSP Reasi Parambir Singh, Commandant, CRPF, Joint Chief Executive Officer Satish Sharma, SP Katra, Divisional Magistrate, Bhawan & Katra, Deputy CEO; Assistant CEO; Tehsildar, ACF Shrine Board, SDPO Katra and officers from IB, CID, Fire Services, Shrine Board and other Intelligence Agencies.
As per the directions of Lt. Governor (Chairman Shrine Board), the CEO has taken necessary steps to ensure smooth conduct of the operational preparedness at the Spiritual Growth Centre, underlining the importance of integrated efforts among all stakeholders and security agencies to manage the expected surge in pilgrims during the 9-day Navratri festival. The CEO emphasised on a robust security grid in all key areas of the shrine, complemented by real-time monitoring through CCTV cameras. These cameras will provide round-the-clock surveillance on the route from Katra to the Bhawan.
Further, pilgrims were urged to wear a valid RFID card at all times while embarking on the pilgrimage, so as to have smooth access to various facilities and services during their visit.
The CEO emphasised on the importance of leveraging modern security equipment to ensure a safe and secure environment during the Navratras.
He directed the concerned departments to carry out verification and counting of horse-drawn carriages, so that any suspicious elements on the track can be checked by the concerned agencies and extensive checking of overchargers at various locations in Katra can be done.
The CEO also conducted a comprehensive review of disaster management measures, emphasizing on fire fighting, crowd management and preparedness to ensure quick and effective response in emergency situations.
To strengthen crowd management, the CEO directed the Disaster Management Task Force (DMTF) of the Shrine Board to monitor vulnerable areas and issue alerts. Besides, regular announcements in the building and beat monitoring by joint stakeholder teams will be implemented to manage the crowd, identify holding areas and ensure seamless Yatra management.
The CEO directed the stakeholders to ensure availability of essential amenities including clean drinking water, uninterrupted power supply and sanitation facilities, proper disposal of garbage besides regulation of vehicles on the track. He emphasized the need for 24x7 emergency medical services to promptly deal with any medical emergency.
The security agencies highlighted the major challenges for the security forces deployed to manage the expected influx of pilgrims on Navratri. SSP Reasi and Commandant, CRPF met the officials. A detailed security grid was also presented by the DGP, outlining measures such as Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) and a multi-tier security grid comprising Police, CRPF and paramilitary forces to protect the shrine area and pilgrims.