KATRA: In pursuance of the decisions taken during the 76th meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and in compliance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Shrine Board convened a detailed consultative meeting with representatives of Yatra service providers, including ponywallas, pithus and palkiwallas, associated with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track.
The meeting was chaired by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, and was attended by senior officers of the Board along with a delegation led by Bhupinder Singh and representatives of various stakeholder groups.
The deliberations focused on evolving a structured and sustainable rehabilitation framework aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods of traditional service providers while ensuring environmentally responsible and pilgrim-friendly management of the Yatra, in line with NGT directions.
It was emphasized during the meeting that the Shrine Board remains committed to balancing environmental sustainability with the socio-economic security of families dependent on Yatra-related services. The proposed rehabilitation plan is intended to create alternative and sustainable livelihood opportunities through a phased and inclusive approach.
Representatives of the service providers raised concerns regarding the existing registration mechanism and fee structure, requesting that the issues be taken up with the concerned administration for review and appropriate resolution.
The stakeholders also suggested the development of an alternate parking facility to ease congestion in the Banganga area, which witnesses heavy traffic during peak Yatra periods. They further sought adequate compensation under the rehabilitation package and stressed the need for phased implementation to minimize disruption and allow sufficient time for affected families to transition to alternative income avenues.
The Shrine Board assured the participants that all concerns and suggestions would be carefully examined in consultation with the concerned authorities while finalizing the comprehensive rehabilitation framework.
Meanwhile, continuing its engagement with stakeholders, the Shrine Board also conducted an interaction session with young sportspersons, following a consultative meeting held earlier with representatives of the sports fraternity. Athletes from disciplines including cricket, football, shooting, badminton, basketball, archery, judo and tennis shared valuable grassroots-level inputs, highlighting challenges related to training, coaching, infrastructure and exposure.
