Lays foundation of Shankaracharya Temple, assures phased support for local service providers*
Katra, Feb 18 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday assured that the ongoing ropeway project and related infrastructure developments in Katra will not affect the livelihoods of local residents.
Speaking during the foundation—laying ceremony of the Shankaracharya Temple, LG Sinha, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Shrine Board has taken full responsibility to construct a clean and green city for the development of the people of Katra, ensuring that no one’s livelihood will be affected, he said.
He reiterated the board’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Drawing comparisons with iconic spiritual and cultural landmarks, saying, “Just like Somnath Mandir and Statue of Unity, here too a museum will be built along with a narmitti (holy water) site, so devotees from all over the country can visit and experience it.”
He also highlighted accessibility challenges for pilgrims visiting Devi Mata Vaishno Devi and Bhagwan Bholenath, noting that many devotees found it difficult to reach these sacred sites. “On the ropeway project and other infrastructure developments, he stressed that the livelihood of local people of Katra will not be affected.”
LG Sinha also discussed the collaborative efforts of the Jammu & Kashmir government and the Shrine Board, mandated by an empowered committee of the NGT, to rehabilitate local service providers, particularly people from Pithu, in a phased manner, ensuring their daily income remains secure.
Highlighting the Shrine Board’s past and ongoing initiatives, he said the Board took responsibility during floods, providing relief, health camps and essential supplies, reflecting a long-term commitment to community welfare.
“Fifteen schools have been constructed in Katra and nearby areas to support education post-flood. Last year, five new temples were built and five more are planned to provide spiritual access to local villages. An international museum of the goddess is under construction in Katra to enrich the cultural and spiritual experience,” he added.
LG Sinha also stressed the development of Katra as a clean, green, and spiritually vibrant city, integrating infrastructure, tourism, and urban planning while ensuring that local livelihoods continue unharmed—(KNO)