Katra, February 13: In a continued effort to strengthen pilgrim facilities and revive the traditional pilgrimage route, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board today held a detailed consultation with members of the Banganga–Charanpaduka Shopkeepers Association and senior citizens to discuss measures aimed at increasing pilgrim footfall and improving the overall yatra experience.
The consultation was conducted in line with the decisions taken during the 76th meeting of the Shrine Board chaired by Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The interaction formed part of the Board’s ongoing outreach with stakeholders to ensure inclusive planning and coordinated development of facilities along the traditional track.
The meeting was chaired by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, and attended by senior Board officials and prominent local representatives. Participants put forward a range of suggestions to make the Banganga–Charanpaduka stretch more attractive and accessible for pilgrims. Key proposals included promoting the spiritual and heritage significance of the traditional route, upgrading bathing ghats, improving lighting, strengthening sanitation and drinking water facilities, and initiating conservation and rejuvenation measures for the holy Banganga.
Senior citizens associated with traditional pilgrimage practices emphasized the need to preserve the heritage character of the stretch. They welcomed the Shrine Board’s consultative approach and recommended steps to create a more pilgrim-friendly environment, including barrier-free access, enhanced safety arrangements and environmentally sustainable development.
Officials assured stakeholders that the proposed initiatives would be implemented in a phased and coordinated manner in compliance with environmental and regulatory norms. The Board reiterated its commitment to balancing infrastructure development with heritage conservation and community participation.
The Shrine Board also affirmed that such consultations with various stakeholder groups will continue as part of its broader strategy to improve facilities, revive traditional pilgrimage routes and enhance the overall experience for devotees visiting the holy shrine.
