Shrine board signs pact to strengthen pilgrims’ safety on Vaishno Devi trek

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited India Limited (THDCIL) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to enhance pilgrim safety and security during the pilgrimage to the revered shrine.

This decision was made during a recent meeting of the Board held under the chairmanship of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha with the objective to ensure the long-term safety and resilience of the yatra route through advanced geotechnical and geophysical investigations, coupled with the design of modern slope stabilisation measures.

The MoU was signed by Additional CEO, SMVDSB, Alok Kumar Maurya; GM, Design (Civil-II) THDCIL Niraj Agrawal and Deputy Director General, GSI Sanjiv Kumar in the presence of Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Anshul Garg.

An official informed, “The MoU outlines the scope of work, roles and responsibilities of SMVDSB, THDCIL and GSI by establishing committees to conduct geological investigations and geotechnical surveys to identify potential risks on the pilgrimage track. The data collected will be used further to develop and implement effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with landslides and rock falls. The partnership will also facilitate the sharing of expertise and resources among the three organisations.”

The agreement also involves conducting an extensive LIDAR survey to identify and delineate areas of slope instability particularly along the Adhkuwari to Bhawan yatra route for treatment measures with execution of work undertaken under the close supervision of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

Notably, the Shrine Board has been working with THDCIL since 2012 to mitigate the risks associated with falling stones and landslides, which posed a threat to pilgrim safety. THDCIL have so far treated and stabilised 28 sites, which have been identified as most vulnerable landslide and stone falling areas on the track. Effective measures are implemented in vulnerable zones including installation of rock fall barriers, wire mesh, concrete work, drilling, grouting and anchoring towards which an expenditure in excess of Rs 40 crore has been incurred by the Board till date.

J & K