Authorities have put in place extensive security arrangements along the track leading to the revered shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine atop the Trikuta hills ahead of the Chaitra Navratra festival, commencing from Thursday,
Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, told the news agency the shrine complex, including the Bhawan and adjoining areas, has been tastefully decorated with flowers for the nine-day festival, which will culminate on Ram Navami on March 27.
“A significant surge in pilgrim footfall is anticipated during the festival period. Vaishya noted that the number of devotees visiting the shrine has already touched 15 lakh this year, with further increase expected in the coming days,” he said, adding, “Elaborate arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and safe darshan for pilgrims. Multi-tier security deployment includes personnel from the CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Shrine Board’s own security wing, and the Army.”
“An Integrated Command and Control Centre has been made operational round-the-clock, supported by high-resolution CCTV surveillance across the route and shrine area to monitor the situation continuously. Additionally, eight ‘May I Help You’ facilitation counters have been established at key locations for pilgrims.”
He said that special focus has been given to differently-abled devotees, with provisions such as free battery car services and pony rides being made available, as in previous years.
The CEO further informed that new facilities, including a Sadhana Kaksh (Meditation Room) for meditation and a Yagyashala for conducting havans, have been introduced this year to enhance the spiritual experience of the pilgrims.
