Shrine Board Reviews Arrangements ahead of Chaitra NavratrasKatra, March 16: In view of the forthcoming Chaitra Navratras commencing from March 19, 2026, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) as per the directions of the Hon’ble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lt. Governor, JK-UT), convened a meeting to review the arrangements for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra and facilitating the large influx of pilgrims expected to visit the Holy Shrine during the Navratras.The meeting was presided over by Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, at the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra. Detailed deliberations were held on various aspects of Yatra management including crowd regulation, security deployment, disaster preparedness and pilgrim facilitation along the entire track leading to the Holy Shrine.While reviewing decoration arrangements, emphasis was laid on the use of non-synthetic materials to curtail fire hazards. The representative of the Fire and Emergency Services was directed to conduct a comprehensive fire safety audit of the track and the Shrine area and ensure the operational readiness of fire-fighting vehicles and personnel at strategic locations to strengthen emergency response during the Navratras.The concerned quarters were directed to strictly enforce the RFID-based Yatra Cards, ensuring that only pilgrims possessing valid RFID cards are permitted to undertake the Yatra. To facilitate effective implementation, additional personnel will be deployed at key checkpoints and regular public announcements will be made to guide and sensitize pilgrims. It was also decided that during periods of heavy rush, the alternate tracks will be optimally utilized to regulate pilgrim movement and ensure effective crowd management. The CEO further emphasized the need for close coordination among all stakeholders to establish a robust and responsive security framework in line with the requirements.The meeting further emphasized stringent verification of Pithoos and Ponywallas including regular documentation checks, to prevent impersonation and ensure that only authorized service providers operate along the Yatra track. The deployment of additional security personnel was also deliberated to further strengthen area domination and maintain strict vigil. Besides, the use of advanced wireless communication sets for seamless coordination during monitoring through the Integrated Command and Control Centre was discussed, aimed at enhancing real-time communication, surveillance and overall security management in and around the Shrine area.Special attention was also drawn towards addressing traffic congestion caused by unauthorized parking and it was decided that a special enforcement drive will be undertaken to tow away such vehicles. Besides, arrangements for effective crowd management at the Railway Station, Katra were also reviewed in detail in view of the anticipated surge in pilgrim arrivals during the Navratra period. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, assured foolproof security arrangements and presented a detailed security grid which includes deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and a multi-tier security setup comprising Police, CRPF and other security agencies.Among others, the meeting was attended by the Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; SP Katra; SDM Bhawan; Assistant CEOs, SMVDSB; Tehsildars, Katra & SMVDSB; SDPOs Katra & Bhawan; officers from CRPF and Army; ACF, SMVDSB and representatives from Fire & Emergency Services and other allied agencies.………
