Jammu: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, V Somanna on Saturday stressed the need for sustainable water management and environmental conservation in pilgrimage areas that witness heavy footfall throughout the year.
Somanna was speaking at a meeting convened to review various water conservation and environmental sustainability initiatives being undertaken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the revered shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district.
After the review meeting, the Union minister, accompanied by his spouse, paid obeisance at the shrine, an official spokesperson said.
Earlier, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Alok K Maurya briefed the minister on the range of measures being implemented by the Board to conserve water resources and promote environmental sustainability in and around the shrine area.
Maurya apprised the minister of the Board’s initiatives aimed at harvesting rainwater and facilitating groundwater recharge, thereby contributing to the conservation of water resources, the spokesperson said.
He said the minister was also briefed on the liquid sewage treatment measures being undertaken by the Board and the role of afforestation in supporting environmental conservation in the region.
Somanna appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the Shrine Board for water conservation, wastewater management and afforestation.
The minister emphasized the importance of sustainable water management and environmental conservation, particularly in areas that receive a large number of pilgrims throughout the year.
The initiatives highlighted during the briefing included rooftop rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, liquid sewage treatment and afforestation, the spokesperson said.
He said these measures form part of the Shrine Board’s efforts to promote the sustainable use and conservation of water resources while maintaining the ecological balance of the area.
Security beefed up in Katra after Musa killing
Katra: Security has been intensified in Katra and along the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route following the killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Hashim Musa alias Asif Fauji in an encounter, with authorities stepping up measures ahead of the upcoming Navratri festival.
With Sharad Navratri scheduled to begin on October 11, security arrangements in Katra and along the pilgrimage route have been reviewed at a high level, officials said.
Additional security measures have been put in place to prevent any possible retaliatory activity following Musa’s killing and to ensure the safety of pilgrims during the festival period.
Special checkpoints have been established at entry and exit points of Katra, with intensified vehicle checking and verification of travellers’ documents.
Additional security personnel have also been deployed at key public locations, including the Katra railway station and bus stand.
The entire pilgrimage route from Katra to the Vaishno Devi Bhawan is being kept under close surveillance through CCTV cameras and enhanced patrolling.
Joint patrols by police and security forces are being conducted at sensitive locations, while security personnel have been directed to maintain heightened vigilance throughout the pilgrimage area.
The measures are aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims and maintaining a secure environment in Katra and along the route during the upcoming Navratri rush.
