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The security of the renowned Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district was reviewed on Tuesday, focusing on the upcoming Independence Day 2024 celebrations, officials said. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anshul Garg assessed the operational preparedness of the shrine area for a hassle-free pilgrimage at a meeting with all stakeholders at base camp Katra, the officials added.
Garg emphasised the need for fortified security measures ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to establish a robust security framework that meets current requirements. The CEO stressed action on various fronts to ensure a smooth pilgrimage in the coming days.
Focus on Security and Crowd Management
Key measures include issuing and verifying RFID cards, effective crowd management, augmenting holding areas on the track and in Katra town, and planning for decongestion of the entire track, especially in the Bhawan area. Continuous surveillance through a dedicated CCTV network of over 700 cameras is also essential. Garg urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant so that no pilgrim without frisking and valid registration enters the track for their pilgrimage.
The CEO also reviewed various components of disaster management measures. He directed regular announcements and joint patrolling by stakeholders to ensure safety. Senior police and CRPF officers informed that foolproof security arrangements would be made for smooth and enthusiastic celebration of the national day.
Main Function at Shrine Board's Sports Complex
The meeting decided that the main function of Independence Day celebrations will be organised in the Shrine Board's Sports Complex Katra. Here, Garg will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute from march past contingents including police, CRPF, shrine security, NCC, and school children. A colourful cultural programme will also be presented by school children.
Senior police and CRPF officers presented a detailed security grid to be implemented besides deploying quick response teams and establishing a multi-tier security grid for pilgrims' safety. They assured that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure smooth regulation of yatra during this period.
Garg underscored that enhancing security measures is crucial for ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience during Independence Day celebrations. He reiterated that all stakeholders must work together to create an effective security system tailored to current needs.
The focus remains on smooth regulation of yatra with fortified security measures ahead of Independence Day celebrations. This includes RFID card issuance and verification, effective crowd management, augmentation of holding areas on tracks and in Katra town, decongestion plans for Bhawan area, and continuous surveillance through over 700 CCTV cameras.
Ensuring no pilgrim without proper frisking or valid registration enters the track is vital. Disaster management measures include regular announcements and joint patrolling by stakeholders. Senior police and CRPF officers assured comprehensive security arrangements for an enthusiastic national day celebration.
The main function will take place at Shrine Board's Sports Complex Katra with Garg unfurling the tricolour and taking salute from various contingents including police, CRPF, shrine security, NCC, and school children who will also present a cultural programme.
