Jammu, Sep 30 (PTI) Security has been beefed up ahead of Navratri in Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district, officials said.
Reasi SSP Mukund Tibrewal conducted a comprehensive security and traffic review of Katra town and the pilgrimage route, including the track leading to Bhawan, the base camp, parking areas, CCTV surveillance points, entry and exit locations and security checkpoints, they said, adding crowd management plan was also reviewed.
Security has been tightened at multiple locations across Katra, with additional checkpoints and police deployment put in place as part of preparations for Navratri that begins on October 11, the officials said.
Speaking during the review, Tibrewal said Navratri was an important festival during which devotees from across the country visit the shrine to pay obeisance to Mata Vaishno Devi.
“Several programmes are also organised in Katra town as well as at Bhawan, including Shobha Yatras, Prabhat Pheris, Kavi Sammelans and various other events, which continue throughout the Navratri period,” he told reporters here.
Keeping these aspects in view, a comprehensive review of traffic and security arrangements in Katra was conducted, he said.
Tibrewal said that vehicular movement and parking were among the major issues discussed during the review, including deciding which vehicles would be allowed in particular parking areas and locations from where vehicular movement would be restricted.
“We also checked arrangements for the security of vehicles that will be parked, including provision of CCTV cameras and other necessary security measures,” he said.
The SSP said queue management arrangements were also reviewed, particularly at passenger counters, where heavy rush can create difficulties for pilgrims.
“We looked at how our department can further improve the arrangements and ensure better queue management during the rush,” he said.
Regarding parking facilities, Tibrewal said the district administration was working to further expand parking capacity at the New Bus Stand so that more vehicles could be accommodated.
The facility was also conveniently located for access to Katra town, he said.
“Our main objective will be to ensure that pilgrims face the least possible inconvenience,” Tibrewal said.
He appealed to local residents to check their CCTV cameras and ensure that adequate surveillance systems were installed at all parking facilities, including private parking areas.
He also appealed to residents and vehicle owners to minimise roadside parking during the Navratri period, saying it was one of the major causes of traffic congestion in Katra.
“Roadside parking should be reduced as much as possible during the Navratri festival so that pilgrims can move around conveniently,” he said. PTI AB AB KVK
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