Vaishno Devi Shrine Board joins hands with THDCIL, GSI to bolster yatra route safety through advanced slope stability measures
Jammu, 09-04-2025: In a landmark move to enhance pilgrim safety and fortify the infrastructure of one of India’s most revered religious sites, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The agreement aims to strengthen the safety framework of the yatra route by incorporating state-of-the-art geotechnical and geophysical technologies.
The MoU was formalised during the recent Board meeting chaired by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir and Chairman of SMVDSB, Shri Manoj Sinha. The agreement was signed by Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO of SMVDSB; Dr. Niraj Agrawal, GM (Design, Civil-II), THDCIL; and Sanjiv Kumar, Deputy Director General, GSI (Northern Region), in the presence of CEO SMVDSB Anshul Garg and other senior officials from the three organisations.
The tripartite pact defines the roles and collaborative framework for the three bodies. It involves setting up dedicated committees to conduct rigorous geological and geotechnical surveys aimed at assessing and identifying areas vulnerable to landslides and rockfalls along the pilgrimage track. Particular focus will be placed on the Adhkuwari to Bhawan stretch, where an advanced LIDAR survey will be conducted to map slope instability in detail.
The findings of these technical studies will serve as the foundation for implementing scientifically designed slope stabilisation and risk mitigation interventions. These include, but are not limited to, the installation of Rockfall barriers, high-strength wire mesh, drilling and anchoring systems, grouting, and reinforced concrete support structures. The implementation will be carried out under the close supervision of the GSI to ensure technical precision and efficacy.
Notably, the Shrine Board and THDCIL have already been in collaboration since 2012 to secure the yatra route, having treated 28 highly vulnerable zones prone to landslides and falling rocks. Over Rs 40 crore has already been invested by the Shrine Board in these safety-enhancing initiatives.
This new MoU is a vital step in the Shrine Board’s ongoing mission to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees who visit the holy cave shrine every year. Under the visionary leadership of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, SMVDSB continues to prioritise the welfare of pilgrims while simultaneously safeguarding the natural environment surrounding the shrine.
By leveraging the technical expertise and proven experience of THDCIL and GSI, the collaboration is expected to significantly mitigate geological hazards, ensure uninterrupted pilgrimage experiences, and promote sustainable development in the Trikuta Hills region.
