4 lakh devotees likely to visit Vaishno Devi on Navratras: Official

Around four lakh pilgrims are expected to visit Mata Vaish Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir during upcoming Navratra festival, and equate security arrangements have been me for devotees, officials said on Saturday.

'golden gate' at entrance of cave shrine, which is in final st of completion, and illuminated tracks will new ditions during this year's Navratras which will commence on September 29 and culminate on October 7.

Jammu Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma told reporters, "As far as safety of pilgrims is concerned, we are fully prepared for rush of devotees and are promise-bound to provide equate security to m... we are expecting a footfall of 3.5 lakh to four lakh pilgrims at shrine during Navratras this year."

In 2017 and 2018, number of pilgrims who visited shrine during Navaratras were 3.07 lakh and 3.2 lakh respectively.

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CEO of Shri Mata Vaish Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Simrandeep Singh said, " work on huge golden gate, having nine ims of goddess Durga with Mahalakshmi figuring prominently, started over two months ago by a group of special dors and it will be rey within seven days."

According to shrine board officials, about 12 kg of gold, 1,200 kg of copper and 1,100 kg of silver have been used in construction of gate.  

Singh said CCTV cameras are being installed from Katra to Bhavan to keep a close watch while a special control room is also being set up to monitor movement of people round--clock.

Verma said district development commissioner of Reasi will be dal officer to oversee arrangements for successful conduct of festival.

divisional commissioner said since re is mobile Internet services in Jammu region since August 5, when provisions of Article 370 were abrogation, pilgrims, can enjoy broband facility in hotels.

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