J-K: Vaishno Devi Shrine Board inks MoU with THDCIL, GSI for pilgrim safety

ANI April 10, 2025 136 views

The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has taken a significant step towards pilgrim safety by signing a critical MoU with THDCIL and GSI. This collaboration aims to conduct comprehensive geological investigations along the sacred pilgrimage route to prevent potential landslides and rockfalls. By leveraging advanced technologies like LIDAR surveys, the organizations will identify and mitigate risks in vulnerable zones. The initiative underscores the commitment to ensuring a safe and secure pilgrimage experience for millions of devotees who visit the shrine annually.

"We are committed to improving the pilgrimage experience and ensuring pilgrim safety" - Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor J&K
Jammu, April 9: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to enhance pilgrim safety and security during the pilgrimage to the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, officials said in a release.

Key Points

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Tripartite MoU signed to mitigate landslide risks on Vaishno Devi route

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Advanced geotechnical surveys to identify potential hazards

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28 vulnerable sites already stabilized by THDCIL

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Comprehensive LIDAR survey planned for track safety

This decision was made during a recent Meeting of the Board held under the Chairmanship of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon'ble Lt. Governor, JK-UT 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, added the statement.

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

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 to develop and implement effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with landslides and rockfalls, read the statement.

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 the 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 pose a threat to pilgrim safety. THDCIL has so far treated and stabilised 28 sites, which have been identified as the most vulnerable landslide and stone-falling areas on the Yatra track.

Effective measures are implemented in vulnerable zones, including the installation of Rockall barriers, wire mesh, concrete work, drilling, grouting, and anchoring, for which the board has incurred expenditures in excess of Rs 40 cr to date.

The Shrine Board, under the guidance and directions of the Hon'ble Chairman, SMVDSB, has been working tirelessly to improve the pilgrimage experience, and this collaboration is a significant milestone in this endeavour.

With the expertise and resources of THDCIL and GSI, the Shrine Board is poised to take a major leap forward in ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims while promoting sustainable pilgrimage and protecting the shrine's ecosystem. Additionally, the partnership will not only enhance the safety and security of pilgrims but also contribute to the overall development of the region.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
This is such a positive step forward! Pilgrim safety should always be the top priority. The Vaishno Devi yatra is close to millions of hearts ❤️. Glad to see modern technology being used to protect devotees.
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the safety measures, I wonder if ₹40 crore could have been spent more efficiently. Some pilgrims still complain about basic amenities like clean toilets and drinking water along the route. Safety AND comfort both matter.
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Amit S.
Did the yatra last year and saw the wire mesh installations firsthand. They've made a noticeable difference! Though the queues are still crazy long 😅 Hope they keep improving the infrastructure.
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Sunita R.
Jai Mata Di! 🙏 So happy to see our government taking concrete steps to protect devotees. The Vaishno Devi shrine holds special meaning for my family. This partnership with GSI sounds very promising for long-term safety solutions.
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see hydro and geology experts collaborating on this. The LIDAR survey is a smart move - prevention is better than cure when it comes to landslides. Hope they publish some of their findings for academic purposes too.
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Neha P.
As someone who works in disaster management, I can say these geotechnical surveys are crucial. The Himalayan region is fragile and pilgrimage routes need constant monitoring. Great initiative! 👏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Vaishno Devi Shrine Pilgrimage Safety Geological Survey THDCIL Manoj Sinha Landslide Prevention
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