A visit to Mata Vaishno Devi is considered one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times.
Popular the world over as the mother who fulfills whatever her children wish for, the goddess resides in a holy cave located in the folds of the three-peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced Trikoot).
FOOTFALLS
The holy cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of devotees visiting the shrine now exceeds one crore annually. The holy cave is situated at an altitude of 5,200 ft. The devotees have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra for darshan.
CROWD MEASUREMENT AND SAFETY MEASURES
In order to regulate the yatra and strengthen security in the area, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has made elaborate arrangements including deployment of sufficient troops of the local police as well as paramilitary forces. Regular patrolling of the track, monitoring, vigilance and necessary action with regard to suspicious elements are part of the security drill. The security staff of the shrine board is utilised for regulation of the yatra and adds to general area vigilance. In addition, X-Ray baggage inspection systems and door frame metal detectors have been provided to ensure foolproof security of the pilgrims and the shrine. CCTVs are installed at all vital locations. The services of the local police can be availed of through police stations/police posts at Katra, Banganga, Adkuwari, Sanjichatt and at Bhawan. There are senior officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police who are available at Katra and Bhawan. In addition, officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police or above of the paramilitary forces are also available at both Katra and Bhawan.
(With Our Bureaus)