This decision was taken by J&K Governor N N Vohra, who is the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, at the 58th meeting of the boardheld in New Delhi.
He stressed the need for preparing a master plan so that an adequately long-term perspective determines the scale and capacity of the infrastructural facilities which need to be provided for the pilgrims.
He observed that a well-planned approach in dealing with all aspects of the yatra has become extremely important to preserve the environment and keep a check on pollution.
Presentations were made to the Board by experts of two national institutions regarding the approaches which may be followed for preparing a comprehensive master plan for the entire shrine area from Banganga to Bhawan and along all the tracks, Board spokesman said.
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The governor observed that the maximum possible use of modern technologies would be needed for planning improved facilities for the pilgrims, with particular attention to issues relating to ensuring effective garbage collection and sanitary arrangements.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring effective maintenance of toilets and bathing facilities and continuing upgrade of existing amenities to meet the arising requirements of the pilgrimage.
The Board had an extensive discussion with the team of experts of the School of Planning and Architecture regarding the areas requiring particular attention in the preparation of the master plan for the entire shrine area, the Spokesman said.
It also reviewed the Rs 77-crore Slope Stabilisation Project which is being executed to protect, treat and stabilise 33 sites on the Trikuta Mountains which have been identified as the most vulnerable from the point of view of landslides and stones falling on the tracks.
It also reviewed the implementation of the Rs 60 crore Bhawan-Bhairon Ghati Passenger Ropeway and Rs 12 crore Siar Dabri-Bhawan Material Ropeway Projects which are scheduled to be commissioned early next year.