Jammu, February 8 In a move to enhance pilgrim safety, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Sunday approved increasing the insurance cover for pilgrims from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per person, an official spokesperson said.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha here.
The spokesperson said the board reviewed and ratified actions taken since the previous meeting and made key decisions on 25 agenda items aimed at strengthening the board's functioning and improving pilgrimage services.
He said the meeting reviewed the progress of major infrastructure projects including the construction of the exit track at the Bhawan (shrine complex), widening of the yatra track from Sanjichhat to the Bhawan, slope stabilisation works, construction of Shri Shankaracharya Temple and allied amenities at Katra, and the School for Divyangjan at Chaitanya Ashram, Jammu.
The Board directed strict adherence to timelines while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety, the spokesperson said.
Regarding the newly developed helipad at Hutt village, the board approved that following the execution of a revised MoU, it will provide a one-time financial grant to Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board under the Shrine Act for the development and upgradation of pilgrimage infrastructure.
Helicopter services for both shrines will operate from the same helipad for the convenience of pilgrims, the spokesperson said.
He also said that the board approved a comprehensive Annual Green Plan for 2026-27 aimed at conserving green cover in the surrounding region.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha directed the shrine board to reaffirm its commitment to environmental sustainability with particular emphasis on promoting cleanliness and greenery in Katra town and surrounding areas.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Sinha laid foundation stones for several pilgrimage facilities aimed at enhancing infrastructure and spiritual experience.
These included the construction of three new temples in the Reasi district, the restoration of two ancient temples in the Jammu district at an estimated cost of Rs 1.21 crore, the redevelopment of the Bhairon Temple complex, and the construction of staff accommodation at Vaishno Devi Bhawan and the Bhairon temple, the spokesperson said.
Sinha also inaugurated newly-constructed cottages at Katra and launched an improvised 'Pouch Prasad' containing dry fruits, an engraved coin depicting the 'Holy Pindies' (the three deities of the Vaishno Devi shrine) and a sacred 'Mouli' (sacred thread) for free distribution among pilgrims, the spokesperson said.
