SMVDSB reviews arrangements for Navratri yatra in J&K

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Monday reviewed arrangements for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage to the cave shrine during the forthcoming Chaitra Navratri beginning March 19, and said additional security personnel will be deployed during the period for the safety of devotees. 

The meeting, held in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage to the hilltop shrine, was presided over by the shrine board Chief Executive Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya, who reviewed crowd management, security deployment, disaster preparedness and pilgrim facilitation along the entire yatra route in view of the expected surge in devotees. Additional security personnel will be deployed at key checkpoints, while regular public announcements will guide and sensitise pilgrims, officials said, elaborating on the arrangements. During peak rush hours, alternate tracks will be optimally utilised to regulate movement and ensure effective crowd management, they said. 

Security measures include deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and a multi-tier setup comprising police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and other agencies, Reasi Senior Superintendent of Police Paramvir Singh said while presenting a detailed security grid.  Officials also discussed the use of advanced wireless communication systems linked to the Integrated Command and Control Centre to enhance real-time coordination, surveillance and overall security in and around the shrine area.