Latest news with #ShriMataVaishnoDeviShrineBoard
Indian Express
29-07-2025
- Indian Express
Engineering student who ‘intentionally reversed Thar into elderly man' in Jammu absconding, police say
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have formed multiple teams to find a 20-year-old engineering student who is absconding after allegedly trying to run over an elderly businessman, who was knocked down from his scooter, with his Thar SUV in the upmarket Gandhi Nagar area of Jammu on Sunday afternoon. The incident, in which 68-year-old Kamal Dutt was seriously injured, was captured on CCTV and the clip has gone viral on social media. Footage from the CCTV camera installed in the Green Belt Park area allegedly showed the accused, identified as Manan Anand, hitting Dutt's scooter while overtaking another vehicle, causing Dutt to fall on the road. The accused then drives forward, and when Dutt stands up, he reverses the SUV onto Dutt, causing serious injury. Subsequently, the accused is seen coming out of the SUV and standing over Dutt, who was lying unconscious on the road at this time, before getting back in the vehicle and driving away. While the footage showed passersby watching the incident, none of them came to Dutt's aid, and he was eventually taken to hospital by his family members who rushed to the spot after coming to know about the incident. Dutt, who runs a vehicle spare parts shop, has been admitted to the ICU of the Government Medical College Hospital in serious condition. Police said Manan Anand's father, Rajinder Anand, has been detained as the vehicle was registered in his name. The vehicle has also been seized. Rajinder Anand, a resident of Nanak Nagar, works as a contractor with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, officials said. According to police, the accused, who studies engineering from outside J&K, was initially booked under BNS sections 281 (rash and negligent driving) and 125(a) (endangering life or personal safety of others). However, after going through the CCTV footage of the incident, police also booked him for attempt to murder under section 109.
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Shrine board commences 3-day poojan at Katra ahead of Pran Pratishtha ceremony
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Saturday started a three-day poojan ritual at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra, in run-up to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the newly crafted holy idols of Maa Durga. During the poojan rituals, Anshul Garg, chief executive officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, stated that as per the board's 75th meeting directives under the chairmanship of lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, five temples will be dedicated on July 13 across distinct villages of Reasi district namely Gorta Kalika Sathaan, village-Harotkote; Pancheri Galli, village-Dangakote; Tote Devsthan, village-Tote; village-Devigarh of tehsil Bhomag and village-Chasana. (HT Phoro) Padma Shri professor Vishwamurti Shastri led a distinguished group of learned priests from the shrine board in conducting the sacred rituals with utmost devotion. Under his guidance, the ceremonies are being performed in strict adherence to age-old scriptures, ensuring the sanctity and authenticity of each ritual up to the Purna Ahuti. During the poojan rituals, Anshul Garg, chief executive officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, stated that as per the board's 75th meeting directives under the chairmanship of lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, five temples will be dedicated on July 13 across distinct villages of Reasi district namely Gorta Kalika Sathaan, village-Harotkote; Pancheri Galli, village-Dangakote; Tote Devsthan, village-Tote; village-Devigarh of tehsil Bhomag and village-Chasana. The CEO added that committees comprising shrine board officials and local community members have been formed for the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and idol installation in each temple. The CEO emphasised that the enshrined idols will become a focal point of devotion in these villages, bringing divine blessings to future generations. He also underscored that the shrine board shall be entrusting management of these temples to the local community and for facilitation of effective management of temple activities shall be installing CCTV cameras at each of the newly constructed temples to ensure the sanctity of the premises.
United News of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
LG Sinha chairs Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board meet
Jammu, June 24 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today underscored the crucial role of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in managing the Shrine and preserving its spiritual and cultural heritage. Sinha was chairing the 75th meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra in Reasi district. The meeting was attended by the newly constituted Board, comprising members including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Sudha Murty, Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Kulbhushan Ahuja, Lalit Bhasin and Suresh Kumar Sharma. Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB also attended the meeting. The Lieutenant Governor extended a warm welcome to the new members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, highlighting the trust and responsibility entrusted to them. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the new members would make significant contributions to the Board's initiatives, furthering its objectives and enhancing the Shrine's stature. He also acknowledged the dedicated services and significant contributions of former Board Members, and appreciated their valuable contribution in the decision-making processes during their tenure. The Board conducted a comprehensive review of its past decisions; ratified actions taken since the last meeting and made several key decisions on 21 significant agenda items having far-reaching implications for the Board's functioning and enhancement of pilgrim services. The Board took several important decisions regarding various ongoing and new projects including the construction of the Exit Track and remodelling of the Manokamna area at Bhawan, development of a helipad in Katra, New Vaishnavi Bhawan, cottages near the Sports Stadium in Katra, widening of the yatra track from Sanjichhat to Bhawan, operationalisation of the Board's Medical College at Kakryal and other initiatives to enhance facilities and services for pilgrims. The meeting reviewed the status of the new helipad project at Village Hutt, a collaborative effort with Shiv Khori Shrine Board, being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Noting delays and revisions, the Board expressed serious concern and directed BRO to complete the project by end October-2025. The helipad aims to enhance pilgrim facilities to Shiv Khori Shrine by providing a seamless and convenient experience for devotees. The Board also reviewed the progress on renewable solar energy initiatives in the Shrine area and directed the CEO SMVDSB to present a comprehensive plan for key installations, in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint. The Board approved a comprehensive sewerage network covering 100% of establishments within the Shrine area to enhance sanitation infrastructure. The Lieutenant Governor reviewed the Yatri Feedback System and directed its expansion to cover all services with monthly monitoring and active encouragement of pilgrim participation, to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery. The Board also directed CEO SMVDSB to explore the possibility of engaging volunteer services to assist pilgrims by addressing their queries and providing guidance along the Yatra route, enhancing their overall experience and support during the pilgrimage. The Lieutenant Governor further directed for identifying vulnerable spots along the pilgrimage route and implementing necessary measures to address and mitigate potential risks of landslides and shooting stones, ensuring a safer environment for devotees. The Board appreciated the enhancement of security measures in the Shrine area with the inauguration of an Integrated Command and Control Centre at SGC, Katra and seven Sub-Control Centers by the Lieutenant Governor, besides, facilitating security agencies with advanced security equipment to ensure robust security and real-time crowd management for prioritising devotees' safety and security. The Board approved the dedication of five temples constructed in Reasi District to the public in July-2025 and accorded the approval of construction of five new temples with a focus on maintaining uniform architectural design across all locations to reflect the Shrine Board's heritage and aesthetic standards. The Board reviewed and approved financial assistance for institutions under the SMVD Charitable Society, including Gurukul, Hospital, Sports Complex, College of Nursing and Medical College to support their operations and activities through grants-in-aid. On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated several pilgrim-centric facilities including Battery Car Parking stand, Outer Cave Shed, Self Service Kiosk, Digital Cash Register and Smart Lockers. The Board observed that significant infrastructure projects have been initiated by the Shrine Board to enhance pilgrim experience: A Battery Car Parking stand at Bhawan to provide convenience and accessibility to pilgrims, particularly the elderly and disabled. The basement of about 1,000 sqft of parking stand serves as a storage area for materials from the Material Ropeway. Additionally, fabrication of a laminated glass shed outside the Cave area to facilitate smooth pilgrimage regulation in all weather conditions while preserving the area's scenic beauty. 300 Smart lockers near the Skywalk area at Bhawan offering a convenient and secure storage solution were also dedicated to the devotees. These smart lockers are linked with RFID Cards allowing devotees to store their belongings safely and securely. In addition, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated an additional dormitory block at SMVD Gurukul, constructed at a cost of Rs 71.82 lakh which accommodates an additional 32 students, enhancing the institution's capacity and infrastructure to support the growing number of students. Earlier, Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB gave a detailed presentation on varied activities of the Shrine Board and the action taken with regard to the implementation of various decisions of the previous meetings of the Board. UNI VBH RN
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- India Gazette
J-K LG inaugurates CCTV surveillance system with integrated command & control centre at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 10 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated 'CCTV Surveillance System with Integrated Command & Control Centre' at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine 'Cutting-edge technology will enable real-time monitoring and crowd management for safety, security of devotees, and it will ensure hassle-free pilgrimage,' the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Actionable insights gleaned from the system will enable prompt response in emergencies. The Command & Control Infrastructure, including an AI-powered surveillance ecosystem, will provide comprehensive situational awareness, optimise operations and Quick and efficient coordination with emergency responders. The large-scale, technology-driven surveillance and crowd management initiative will significantly enhance safety and security and improve crowd control measures and operational efficiency within the shrine area. Under the project, One Integrated Command & Control Centre (ICCC) is located at Katra and seven Sub-Control Centers along the pilgrimage track for localised monitoring and coordination have been established which will ensure 24x7 monitoring of all vulnerable and high-traffic zones and enable proactive and prompt response to crowd build-up, security breaches, or medical emergencies. Over 700 cameras have been deployed across the Shrine Area, including 170 new high-definition IP cameras and integration of more than 500 existing cameras, covering all critical and vulnerable locations, including entry/exit points, gathering areas, and the pilgrimage track. The Project also featured AI-based analytics & advanced technology mechanisms like Gesture Recognition, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Facial Recognition, Intrusion Detection System, Crowd Management Tools. Anshul Garg, CEO, SMVDSB, gave a detailed presentation on the Integrated Command & Control Centre's technical features and its anticipated benefits in day-to-day shrine functioning. He informed that the Centre is equipped to generate automated alerts for crowd congestion, route blockages, landslides or emergencies, thereby enabling swift decision-making and response. The Lieutenant Governor also interacted with the engineers and operational staff at the Centre. He emphasised the need for regular training of staff and seamless collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to maximise the Centre's utility. Notably, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has recently provided advanced security equipments to the security agencies deployed for the yatra management including X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors, and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors/Scanners, to enhance robust security measures in the Shrine area, in pursuance to joint security review conducted last year on the directions of the Lieutenant Governor. Ashok Bhan, Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu, Nidhi Malik, Deputy Commissioner Reasi and other senior officers of Police, Security Agencies and Shrine Board were also present. (ANI)
Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Vaishno Devi shrine gets new AI-powered surveillance system with facial recognition, crowd management tools
Inaugurating a CCTV surveillance system with an integrated command and control centre for the Vaishno Devi shrine, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the 'cutting-edge technology' would ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage, with real-time monitoring and crowd management. According to a statement, the system features AI-based analytics and features like gesture recognition, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), facial recognition, an intrusion detection system, and crowd management tools. An integrated command and control centre (ICCC) located at Katra and seven sub-control centres along the pilgrimage route have been established for localised monitoring and coordination, ensuring 24×7 monitoring of all vulnerable and high-traffic zones and enabling prompt response to crowd build-up, security breaches and medical emergencies. Over 700 cameras have been deployed across the shrine area, including 170 new high-definition cameras and integration of more than 500 existing cameras, covering all critical and vulnerable locations, the statement said. Sinha said the AI-powered system would significantly enhance safety and security, and improve crowd control measures and operational efficiency within the shrine area. Anshul Garg, the CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, gave a detailed presentation on the ICCC's technical features and expected benefits in day-to-day shrine functioning. He said the centre is equipped to generate automated alerts for crowd congestion, route blockages, landslides or other emergencies, thereby enabling swift decision-making and response. The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the engineers and operational staff at the centre, and emphasised the need for the regular training of staff and seamless collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to maximise the centre's utility. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board recently provided security equipment to security agencies deployed for yatra management, including X-ray baggage scanners, door frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors, and under-vehicle search mirrors/scanners, to enhance security at the shrine area, in pursuance to the joint security review conducted last year on the directions of the Lieutenant Governor. Ashok Bhan, a member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Bhim Sen Tuti, the IGP of Jammu; Nidhi Malik, the Deputy Commissioner of Reasi; and other senior police officers and security personnel were present on the occasion.
