According to officials, 68,87,674 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine during this period. The highest number of pilgrims — 9,81,228 — visited the shrine in April, followed by 9,40,143 in March.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were present at the occasion.
The system has been installed on the directives of the Chairman, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha.
The meeting was attended by the additional chief executive officer, SMVDSB; senior superintendent of police, Reasi; commandant, CRPF; joint chief executive officer and Dy. CEO, SMVDSB; SP, Katra; sub-divisional magistrate, and officers from the Army, IB, CID, Fire Services, and intelligence agencies.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Sunday, paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and progress of the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir.
Mohammad Suleman Choudhary, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Police Range, highlighted major challenges for the deployed security forces in coming days for managing the expected influx of pilgrims on New Year.
With the onset of summer holidays in many states across the country, the SMVDSB is anticipating a huge rush of devotees at the holy shrine over the next couple of months.
Shah was received at the IAF technical area of Jammu airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and top officers and BJP leaders.
Sinha chaired a special meeting of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) wherein several important decisions were taken to ensure safety of the pilgrims.
The stampede occurred at about 2.30am outside the sanctum sanctorum of the shrine at the top of the Trikuta Hills.
