Arrival of pilgrims to Vaishno Devi to rise later this month:

The arrival of pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is expected to increase manifold later this month, a top official said and directed the officials concerned to ensure making required arrangements to meet the rush.
Umang Narula, the principal secretary to the Jammu and Kashmir governor, who was was given the charge of CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on November 30, visited the cave shrine in Katra yesterday.
He paid obeisance at the shrine and inspected the ongoing major development works and facilities which are being put in place along the tracks and in Bhawan area.

"Rush of pilgrims is witnessed every year December 20 onwards. The officers are directed to ensure that all the required arrangements are put in place in time," Narula said.
In Bhawan area, the CEO of SMVDSB reviewed the progress of construction of passenger ropeway between Bhawan and Bhairon Temple, material ropeway between Siar Dabri and Bhawan and the slope stabilisation project, an official spokesperson said today.
He said Narula instructed additional CEOs, M K Kumar and Anshul Garg, and other officials concerned to ensure completion of these projects in time.

The CEO also inspected various construction works, including landscape development activities along the upcoming Tarakote Marg, the spokesperson said.

Narula took stock of various development projects and reviewed arrangements for 'bhojanalayas' (dining halls), viewpoints, medical units, water points, toilet blocks, power supply, sanitation and cleanliness.
At Katra the base camp for the pilgrims, the CEO reviewed various ongoing development works and facilities for the pilgrims and underscored the need for ensuring best possible facilities for them, the spokesperson said.