Jammu, February 8: In a bid to reposition the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and its surrounding region as a globally recognised spiritual destination, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Saturday approved a series of wide-ranging measures, including setting up an international museum dedicated to Maa Shakti, a state-of-the-art sound-and-light show, and enhancement of pilgrim insurance cover from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
The decisions were taken at a meeting of the Shrine Board chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the SMVDSB. The Board said the initiatives are aimed at improving pilgrim experience, strengthening safety, boosting local livelihoods and transforming Katra into a clean, vibrant city with modern infrastructure.
Among the key approvals was the endorsement of a preliminary concept for constructing an International Shakti Museum at Natali, Katra, in consultation with the Asian Heritage Foundation. The proposed museum, the first of its kind, is envisaged as a religious, educational and cultural centre highlighting the spiritual heritage of Maa Shakti. The Board also cleared the introduction of large-scale light-and-sound shows, modelled on global pilgrimage destinations, to bring mythology to life through a blend of tradition and modern technology, along with the production of a documentary on the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.
Emphasising pilgrim safety, the Board approved enhancement of the insurance cover for pilgrims undertaking the yatra, doubling it to ₹10 lakh. The Lieutenant Governor asked the Board to firm up concrete proposals so that major projects could be initiated in the coming months and completed within a two-year timeframe.
The Shrine Board also decided to fill vacant positions, with the recruitment process set to begin shortly. In a significant social outreach initiative, it greenlit the establishment of free coaching centres offering NEET preparation for youth from areas surrounding the shrine.
Addressing livelihood and environmental concerns along the yatra track, the Board approved the formulation and phased implementation of a rehabilitation plan for service providers such as ponywallas and palkiwalas, in line with the directives of the National Green Tribunal. A committee has also been constituted to assess strategies for increasing pilgrimage numbers, improving facilities and overall experience, and to submit recommendations to the Board.
To strengthen the local economy, the SMVDSB resolved to prioritise procurement from self-help groups, women and young local entrepreneurs. The Board also decided that offerings and prasad associated with the shrine would be sourced locally, with the objective of directly channeling funds into community growth. Recognising that the shrine places Katra on the global map, the Board resolved to contribute directly to the town’s transformation.
“It is the Board’s resolve to make Katra clean, vibrant and equipped with modern infrastructure for residents and the millions who arrive as pilgrims,” Sinha said.
In another major decision, the SMVDSB resolved to spearhead sports development across the Jammu region, with the stated aim of nurturing future champions, safeguarding youth health and positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a national sporting powerhouse alongside its spiritual eminence. The Board also underlined the need for specialised training programmes for religious practitioners, including pujaris.
The meeting reviewed progress of several major infrastructure projects, including construction of the exit track at Bhawan, the New Vaishnavi Bhawan, widening of the yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, slope stabilisation works, construction of the Shri Shankaracharya Ji Temple and allied amenities at Katra, and a school for Divyangjan at Chaitanya Ashram, Jammu. The Board directed officials to strictly adhere to timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
Regarding the newly developed helipad at village Hutt, the Board approved a revised memorandum of understanding under which the SMVDSB will provide a one-time financial grant to the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board for upgradation of pilgrim infrastructure. It was also decided that helicopter services for both shrines would operate from the same helipad for the convenience of pilgrims.
The Board appreciated the renovation of 15 schools in Reasi and Udhampur districts that were damaged during heavy rains in August–September 2025, noting that the work was completed within five months. It also lauded the establishment of a Sadhna Kaksh (meditation hall) at Bhawan, terming it a significant step towards enhancing the spiritual well-being of pilgrims. Grant-in-aid was approved for institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including a Gurukul, hospital, sports complex and college of nursing.
Reiterating its focus on sustainability, the Board approved a comprehensive Annual Green Plan for 2026–27. The Lieutenant Governor directed the Chief Executive Officer to reinforce the commitment to environmental conservation, with special emphasis on keeping Katra and its surroundings clean and green.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Sinha laid foundation stones for several pilgrim-centric projects, including construction of three new temples in Reasi district, restoration of two ancient temples in Jammu district at an estimated 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 improvised pouch prasad—containing dry fruits, an engraved coin depicting the Holy Pindies and a sacred mouli—for free distribution among pilgrims.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, presented a detailed review of the Board’s activities and progress on decisions taken in previous meetings. The meeting was attended by Board members, including Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, K K Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Suresh Kumar Sharma, besides senior officials of the Lieutenant Governor’s office and the Shrine Board.
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