Committee on Vaishno Devi ropeway meets Sangharsh Samiti

The high-level committee framed by the Lieutenant Governor and Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) held its third crucial meeting with Sangharsh Samiti members and other stakeholders to discuss the issue of ropeway that caused protests last month.

The committee, comprising Ashok Bhan and Suresh Sharma who are members of the SMVDSB, Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, and Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, aimed to address concerns and alleviate apprehensions regarding the ropeway project. This meeting follows two previous meetings held on May 9, 2023 and February 15, 2024.

The major concerns raised by the Sangharsh Samiti, protesting against the project, and other stakeholders centred around the sanctity of the traditional track and the livelihoods of people associated with shops, business establishments and services on the traditional track.

A significant worry was the upcoming Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, with stakeholders urging for its termination at the Inter Modal Station (IMS) in Katra. They feared that extending the expressway up to Tarakote could severely impact local businesses in Katra town.

The Sangharsh Samiti constitutes of shopkeepers, pony and palanquin owners who operate in Katra town.

“The committee assured stakeholders of the Shrine Board’s commitment to holistic development of Katra and the shrine area, focusing particularly on the traditional track. They underscored that several projects have been completed and many more are in the pipeline aiming to boost pilgrimage and local economy. The key initiatives included the rejuvenation of the Banganga rivulet for enhancing its ecology and aesthetics through synchronised development and contiguous embankments. Besides, to further enrich the spiritual and aesthetic experience, the Shrine Board has been working on a project for introduction of Banganga Arti and multimedia laser show at the rivulet’s embankment,” an official spokesperson said.