Development of shrines needed

23/08/2019

All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work. Several development and other issues relating to Shiv Khori and Mata Sukrala-Mata BalaSundari shrines in Reasi and Kathua districts have remained unresolved during the past quite long time as the Boards constituted several years back have failed to perform strictly as per the mandate given by the State Legislature. The Boards for these revered shrines were constituted as per the provisions of the Acts enacted by the State Legislature for better management, administration and governance of these religious places and their endowments including the lands and buildings attached, or appurtenant, to the shrines. Headed by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, these Shrine Boards were supposed to provide all the facilities for the convenience of the pilgrims, undertake developmental activities concerning the shrine and adjoining areas and to initiate all possible steps for efficient management, maintenance and administration of shrines. The non-serious approach on the development and other issues of these shrines can be gauged from the fact that these Boards have not formally met during the past quite long time and a full-fledged meeting of Shiv Khori Shrine Board was last convened in December 2016 while as Board for shrines of Mata Sukrala and Mata BalaSundari had last met in July 2017.
Shri Mata Sukrala Devi Ji and Shri Mata BalaSundari Shrine Board has contributed nothing noticeable in respect of providing facilities to the pilgrims and no step has so far been initiated to provide boarding and lodging facilities to the pilgrims and improve the environment near the shrines despite the fact that pilgrimage is increasing every year. Even no efforts are being made to bring an end to the litigations on different issues including the rights of the Baridars pending in the courts during the past several years and because of litigations even the funds in the shape of offerings received in these shrines from the pilgrims are not being put to use for the developmental activities. As far as Shiv Khori Shrine is concerned, no doubt the Board has created infrastructure to ensure hassle free pilgrimage but there is no headway on all the major projects which were planned several years back and given much hype. The cable car from Ransoo to Bhawan, helicopter service from Katra/ Jammu, eco-friendly disposal of mule dung, plant for scientific disposal of waste being generated on the track and e-rickshaws are among such projects and what to talk these major projects even Master Plan for base camp Ransoo is yet to be finalized by the concerned authorities. The issues which were creating hurdles in execution of these vital projects several years back have remained unresolved at present also and had required seriousness been shown by the Board much headway could have been made till date and cable car and helicopter services are imperative for attracting thousands of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrims to Shiv Khori Shrine.

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