Functionalities of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB)
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is responsible for managing and overseeing various functions related to the administration, development, and maintenance of the Vaishno Devi Shrine and its surrounding areas.
Administration of the Shrine
The SMVDSB is responsible for the overall administration of the Vaishno Devi Shrine, including its various temples, facilities, and infrastructure.
Pilgrimage Management
The Shrine Board manages the pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi Shrine, ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of the pilgrims.
Development and Maintenance
The SMVDSB is responsible for the development and maintenance of infrastructure such as roads, pathways, guest houses, and other facilities for the convenience of pilgrims.
Accommodation Facilities
The Shrine Board provides accommodation facilities for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine, including guest houses, dormitories, and yatri niwas.
Healthcare Facilities
The SMVDSB operates hospitals, dispensaries, and medical facilities to provide healthcare services to pilgrims and residents in the area.
Education and Welfare
The Shrine Board runs educational institutions, including schools and colleges, and undertakes welfare activities for the benefit of the local community.
Security and Safety
The SMVDSB ensures the security and safety of pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine, with the help of security personnel and modern surveillance systems.
Environmental Conservation
The Shrine Board undertakes measures for environmental conservation and sustainable development in the area surrounding the Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Revenue Management
The SMVDSB manages the revenue generated from donations, offerings, and other sources for the maintenance and development of the shrine and its facilities.
Cultural and Religious Activities
The Shrine Board organizes cultural and religious events, festivals, and rituals at the Vaishno Devi Shrine throughout the year.
Few of the achievements of SMVDSB
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) is responsible for managing and overseeing various functions related to the administration, development, and maintenance of the Vaishno Devi Shrine and its surrounding areas.
Track
The entire stretch of track from Banganga to Bhawan covering a distance of over 12 Kms. has been laid with tiles For the convenience of the pilgrims, an alternate track measuring 5.5 Kms has been constructed; this track starts from Inderprastha (just below Adhkuwari) and reaches right up to Bhawan. Over 70 shelter sheds covering a distance of nearly 4km. have been constructed. 52 of these Shelter Sheds have been constructed on Main track & 18 are on the Alternate Track. Pilgrims can relax & take rest at these Shelter Sheds, also called Vishram Sthals.
Electricity, Water and Sanitation
The entire track has been well illuminated with approximately 1200 High Power Sodium Vapour (HPSV) lamps Over 100 toilet blocks with over 600 seats including European type seats have been constructed at regular distances all along the track A total of 125 Water Points & 50 Water Coolers have been installed on the track to make available clean drinking water to the pilgrims.
Accommodation
Free accommodation for the devotees available at Adkuwari, Sanjichatt and Bhawan. Rented accommodation is available for the yatries at Niharika Complex (Katra),Trikuta Bhawan, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat, Bhawan and Vaishnavi Dham/Saraswati Dham at Jammu.
Food and refreshments
A total of 12 viewpoints (restaurants) on the old track & 3 viewpoints on the alternate track have been constructed. The pilgrims can relax at these viewpoints, enjoy the natural beauty and can have refreshments at reasonable rates Bhojanalayas providing wholesome and hygienic food on no-profit basis are being run by the Board at Katra, Bhawan, Adhkuwari, Sanjhichhat and at Vaishnavi Dham/Saraswati Dham at Jammu.
Medical Facilities
- Well equipped Medical centres manned by professionals have been set up at Banganga, Adhkuwari and Bhawan.
- 24 hr charitable dispensary at Katra/Himkoti
- At Sanjichhat there is a 24 bedded fledged hospital with all facilities
- Round the clock medical facilities including an ICU available at Bhawan
Food and refreshments
A total of 12 viewpoints (restaurants) on the old track & 3 viewpoints on the alternate track have been constructed. The pilgrims can relax at these viewpoints, enjoy the natural beauty and can have refreshments at reasonable rates Bhojanalayas providing wholesome and hygienic food on no-profit basis are being run by the Board at Katra, Bhawan, Adhkuwari, Sanjhichhat and at Vaishnavi Dham/Saraswati Dham at Jammu.
Other Facilities
- Cloak rooms, Blanket stores are available at all the important locations. All these facilities are free of cost.
- Facility of Ponies, Pithus and Palanquins are available at fixed rates.
- Helicopter facility at Katra-Sanjhichhat route is available.
- Banks, Police Stations, Post Offices are available at all important locations.
- Shops selling toiletries, provision items, camera rolls are readily available. Medicines, eatables, walking sticks, shoes, caps, raincoats are also available.
- Computerized donation counters have been set up at Central Office Katra, Enquiry & Reservation Center, Niharika, Katra; Adhkuwari and Bhawan. Yatries can make donations in the form of Cash, D.D. Cheque or Kind. For every donation made, computerized donation receipts are issued to the Donors.