Katra March 26 :- With an aim to rejuvenate and improve the ecology and aesthetics of the area, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Ramesh Kumar reviewed the status of Shankaracharya Temple located on the hillock at the eastern side of the Katra town as per the directions of Lt Governor, JKUT, who is also the Chairman of SMVDSB.
He was accompanied by Navneet Singh, Addl. CEO, Vishwajeet Singh, Dy. CEO, Executive Engineers alongwith team and other officers and officials of the Shrine Board, besides, local stakeholders.
Noteworthy, that the renaissance of a Shankaracharya Temple in Katra for the pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji will not only create another spiritual destination but will also boost the economy of Katra Town. Besides, beautification of the area with the environmental up-gradation of the hill and making it one of the finest environmental locations with natural topography.
Persistent demand for early development of the Shankaracharya Temple from various quarters, aspirations of the locals and as per directions of LG, JK-UT, CEO reviewed the extensive status of the present structure at hillock, which includes work of track leading to Shankaracharya Temple including tiling, electrification besides, the basement hall, etc.
CEO instructed the Engineering Wing to retrieve the original plan/project report of the construction of a Temple, accommodation and other allied facilities from the Public Works Department (Roads & Buildings Division Katra) for the re-survey of the area for accommodating the facilities to be created alongside the track and at the Hillock (Shankaracharya Temple) besides, the structural audit of the present structure as the work on main temple was suspended in 2003 and thereafter no further physical progress has been achieved.
CEO also ascertained about the present status of availability of water and electricity supply connection and directed the Engineering Wing to examine for its restoration. Other shortcomings like approach road and improved access to Temple was also reviewed and the Engineering Wing was directed to submit a comprehensive proposal in this regard so that on no count, the rhythm and rhyme of rejuvenation work will slacken. The immediate thrust, thereafter is on vigorously speeding up the restoration work and early completion thereof so that the temple looked in its splendid pristine contour.
