Additional security forces sought for safety of Vaishnodevi pilgrims

Deployment of additional security forces personnel has been sought to ensure foolproof security of the Vaishnodevi pilgrims.

The demand was made by the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Shri Mata Vaishno, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, during a comprehensive review of disaster management preparedness on Monday.

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The CEO urged the security agencies to ensure deployment of additional personnel to provide foolproof security within the Shrine area and its adjoining zones, thereby reinforcing the safety of all pilgrims and maintaining a secure environment throughout the pilgrimage route.

The meeting was, among others, attended by the senior superintendent of police, Reasi, and officers of CRPF, NDRF, and other agencies.

The CEO underscored the importance of conducting mock drills at regular intervals to ensure that the Shrine Board’s Disaster Management teams, in coordination with all stakeholder agencies, remain fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any emergency. He instructed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to organise such drills frequently to further enhance readiness and inter-agency coordination.

The Fire and Emergency Services was directed to undertake a comprehensive fire safety audit of the track and shrine area to strengthen existing fire safety mechanisms.

To bolster the Shrine Board’s Disaster Management capabilities, the CEO directed that a thorough inventory audit of Disaster Management Stores located along the track and within the Bhawan area shall be carried out, and the stores will be replenished and upgraded, wherever required. He further directed that the functionality and operational readiness of all equipment housed in these stores be rigorously examined.

The CEO called upon the agencies concerned to expedite the verification process of individuals employed in local shops operating along the track and within Katra town.

Highlighting the central role of the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), the CEO emphasised its full-scale utilisation for effective disaster management and operational coordination.

The security agencies were asked to undertake a thorough review of the functionality and operational readiness of the security equipment currently in use. The CEO also directed the immediate procurement of any critical or urgently required security equipment.