Urgency: Critical
Subject: Shiv Khori Shrine Development
Category: Infrastructure Development
Lieutenant Governor Inaugurates Infrastructure Upgradation and Beautification Works at Holy Shiv Khori Shrine
Reasi, March 07: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Saturday inaugurated the infrastructure upgradation and beautification works at the holy Shiv Khori Shrine in Reasi District. The works were carried out by JSW Group under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to Shri Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of JSW Group, and his entire team for this historic endeavor. "This is a profound act of kindness for humanity's shared heritage," he stated.
LG Sinha said that since the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JSW Group, they had been eagerly awaiting this day, and now that anticipation has ended.
"Shiv Khori is awakening. We have not only upgraded the infrastructure but also strengthened faith itself," he added.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the infrastructure upgrade of Shiv Khori signifies the reawakening and restoration of the holy shrines of our ancient tradition. He said that the perseverance of devotees has finally borne fruit, fulfilling the aspirations of our ancestors.
"Our strong belief in spirituality has guided every effort, from the historic upgrades for the Baba Amarnath Yatra to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's vision of transforming the entire region into a living spiritual corridor, and placing Shiv Khori firmly on the map of India's great centers of devotion," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to making Jammu and Kashmir a vibrant, breathing spiritual heart of the nation.
"After five years of sustained efforts, I can say with quiet satisfaction that this dream is no longer distant. Today, I say with deep confidence that after centuries, Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing a genuine spiritual, cultural, and social renaissance. This Union Territory is re-emerging as a center of knowledge, art, music, and philosophy," the LG said.
He further stated that the flame of tapas and dharma, for which this land was once renowned across the world, is being relit with full conviction.
The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth to create balance in their inner and outer lives. "This renaissance is for you. Come to the sacred shrines of this land and allow yourself to feel what centuries of unbroken devotion feel like when it meets you in silence. That energy does not belong to the past. It flows still, and it is yours to draw from," he further said.
Sinha also highlighted a series of upcoming facilities designed to enhance the safety and convenience of pilgrims visiting the holy Shri Shiv Khori shrine. These include the completion of a new helipad, the commencement of heli-services for devotees from April, the construction of a protective track shed to protect pilgrims from unpredictable weather and shooting stones, and the renovation of the Ransoo Shrine building and existing tracks, along with the provision of adequate sanitation facilities. A serai and langar facility will also be established at Ransoo.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the time has come for the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board to introduce a "Sound and Light Show" to enrich the experience of devotees. With the collective interest and consensus, the feasibility of a Ropeway project may be explored, he said.
"We are fully committed to creating a thriving ecosystem where local traders, artisans, youth, and women can access new opportunities, ensuring prosperity for every family," the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also flagged off a garbage collection vehicle donated by J&K Bank to the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board.
The works inaugurated today include the renovation of Shivam Dwar (Darshani Deodi); the repair and renovation of Mahadev Bhawan, including the Yatra Registration Counter; the refurbishment of the existing Ghat near Shivam Dwar; the construction of gazebos near the bathing Ghat and near the Shani Mandir; the construction of toilet complexes; the renovation of the Medical Kiosk near Ram Mandir; the construction of a Pony Shed at Ransoo near Darshani Deodi; and the installation of lights at various locations.
Shri Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Member of Legislative Assembly from Reasi; Shri Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), JSW Group; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Chairman Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board; Ms Sarah Rizvi, DIG Udhampur and Reasi Range; Shri Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner Reasi; senior officials; prominent citizens from different walks of life, and numerous devotees attended the inaugural ceremony.