International Shakti Museum, sound-and-light show, pilgrim safety upgrade, jobs, NEET coaching, sports push among major decisions
BuzzBytes
Jammu, Feb 8: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Saturday announced a series of high-impact decisions aimed at completely transforming the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and its surrounding region into India’s leading and most vibrant spiritual destination with global acclaim. The decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shrine Board.
Among the landmark initiatives approved by the Board are the establishment of an International Museum dedicated to Maa Shakti’s spiritual heritage, a state-of-the-art sound-and-light spectacle on the lines of global pilgrimage destinations, and the production of a documentary on the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine to showcase its spiritual, cultural and historical significance to the world. The proposed Shakti Museum at Natali, Katra, being developed in consultation with the Asian Heritage Foundation, will be the first of its kind and serve as a religious, educational and cultural centre. The LG directed that concrete suggestions be finalised so that the project can be launched in the coming months and completed within a two-year timeframe.
The Board approved filling up of vacant positions in the Shrine Board, with the recruitment process to begin shortly. It also cleared the establishment of coaching centres offering free NEET preparation for youth from surrounding areas, besides deciding to spearhead sports development across the Jammu region to nurture future champions, safeguard youth health and build Jammu and Kashmir as a national sporting powerhouse alongside its spiritual eminence.
In line with the directions of the National Green Tribunal, the Board approved the formulation and phased implementation of a rehabilitation plan for service providers on the Mata Vaishno Devi track, including ponywallas and others. A committee has been constituted to assess strategies for expanding pilgrimage numbers, enhancing the pilgrim experience and submitting recommendations to the Board.
To boost the local economy, the SMVDSB resolved to prioritise purchases from self-help groups, women and young local entrepreneurs, and to source Mata’s offerings locally, ensuring that Shrine funds flow directly into community growth. Recognising that Mata’s abode places Katra on the global map, the Board decided to contribute directly to the city’s transformation. “It is the Board’s resolve to make Katra clean, vibrant and equipped with modern infrastructure for residents and the millions of pilgrims who visit,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Emphasising pilgrim safety, the Board approved the enhancement of insurance cover from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per pilgrim. The Board also emphasised the need for specialised training for religious practitioners (Pujaris) and ratified actions taken since the previous meeting, approving key decisions on 25 agenda items to strengthen the Board’s functioning and improve pilgrim services.
Progress of major infrastructure works was reviewed, including construction of the Exit Track at Bhawan, New Vaishnavi Bhawan, widening of the Yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, slope stabilisation works, construction of Shri Shankaracharya Ji Temple and allied amenities at Katra, and a School for Divyangjan at Chaitanya Ashram, Jammu. The Board directed strict adherence to timelines while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
Regarding the newly developed helipad at Village Hutt, the Board approved that, following execution of a revised MoU, SMVDSB will provide a one-time financial grant to the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board for upgrading pilgrim infrastructure. It was also decided that heli services for both Shrines will operate from the same helipad for pilgrims’ convenience.
The Board appreciated community welfare initiatives, including the renovation of 15 schools in Reasi and Udhampur districts damaged during the heavy rains of August–September 2025 within five months. It also lauded the setting up of a Sadhna Kaksh (Meditation Hall) at Bhawan and approved grant-in-aid to institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including Gurukul, Hospital, Sports Complex and College of Nursing.
The Board endorsed greening initiatives and approved a comprehensive Annual Green Plan for 2026–27, with the LG directing renewed focus on environmental sustainability and a clean and green Katra town.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor laid foundation stones for several pilgrim-centric facilities, including three new temples in Reasi district, restoration of two ancient temples in Jammu district at a cost of ₹1.21 crore, redevelopment of the Bhairon Ji Temple Complex, and construction of staff accommodation at Bhawan and Bhairon Ji. He also inaugurated newly constructed cottages at Katra and launched an improved Pouch Prasad containing dry fruits, an engraved coin depicting the Holy Pindies and a sacred Mouli (Kalava) for free distribution to pilgrims.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, presented a detailed review of activities and progress on decisions taken in previous meetings. The meeting was attended by Board Members including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Shri Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Smt Sudha Murty, Smt Gunjan Rana, Dr K.K. Talwar, Shri Kulbhushan Ahuja and Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma, besides Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, and Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, SMVDSB.
