In anticipation of a heavy influx of pilgrims during the New Year-2026, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Tuesday reviewed comprehensive arrangements to ensure a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage.
The review meeting, convened as per the directions of the Chairman, SMVDSB, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, was presided over by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Shrine Board, district administration, representatives of security agencies and other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) directed the authorities to further strengthen yatra management and security measures, particularly along the track and at the Bhawan.
Emphasis was laid on strict regulation of the yatra through RFID-based access control, ensuring that only pilgrims possessing valid RFID cards are permitted to proceed.
He also instructed deployment of additional handheld RFID scanners and adequate manpower at key checkpoints to avoid any lapses.
The CEO was informed that a comprehensive training programme has been conducted at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), SGC Katra.
Joint round-the-clock monitoring is being undertaken, with special focus on high-footfall and congested locations, to ensure real-time surveillance, prompt response and enhanced situational awareness.
The representative of the Fire and Emergency Services was tasked with deploying firefighting vehicles at strategic points along the track and conducting a comprehensive fire safety audit of the Shrine area to further strengthen existing safety mechanisms.
The CEO underscored the importance of strict adherence to prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reiterated the need for meticulous compliance across all aspects of disaster preparedness.
The CEO also emphasized converting the existing Bose sound system installed along the track into a fully functional public address system to facilitate timely dissemination of important announcements.
The agencies were also directed to ensure proper verification of individuals employed in private establishments and service operators on the track, in order to safeguard the sanctity of the shrine area and the safety of pilgrims.
Security agencies briefed the meeting on the multi-tier security grid in place, comprising personnel from the police, CRPF and Shrine Board security, supported by Quick Response Teams (QRTs) for swift action.
The deployment of advanced surveillance tools for real-time threat assessment was also highlighted.
