Jammu, Apr 9 (Reporter) The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Wednesday signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited India Limited (THDCIL) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to enhance pilgrim safety and security during the pilgrimage to the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine nestled in the Trikuta Hills of Katra town in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The Shrine Board spokesman said that the decision was made during a recent Meeting of the Board held under the Chairmanship of Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor with the objective to ensure the long-term safety and resilience of the yatra route through advanced geotechnical and geophysical investigations, coupled with the design of modern slope stabilisation measures. The MoU was signed by Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO, SMVDSB; Dr Niraj Agrawal, GM, Design (Civil-II), THDCIL; and Sanjiv Kumar, Deputy Director General, GSI (NR) in the presence of Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, along with senior officers from Shrine Board, THDCIL and GSI. The MoU outlines the scope of work, roles and responsibilities of SMVDSB, THDCIL and GSI by establishing committees to conduct geological investigations and geotechnical surveys to identify potential risks on the pilgrimage track, he said. The data collected will be used further to develop and implement effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with landslides and rockfalls, said the spokesman. He added that the partnership will also facilitate the sharing of expertise and resources among the three organisations, adding, "The agreement also involves conducting an extensive LIDAR survey to identify and delineate areas of slope instability, particularly along the Adhkuwari to Bhawan yatra route for treatment measures with execution of work undertaken under the close supervision of the Geological Survey of India (GSI)." Notably, the Shrine Board has been working with THDCIL since 2012 to mitigate the risks associated with falling stones and landslides, which posed a threat to pilgrim safety. THDCIL have so far treated and stabilised 28 sites, which have been identified as the most vulnerable landslide and stone falling areas on the yatra track. Effective measures are implemented in vulnerable zones, including installation of rockfall barriers, wire mesh, concrete work, drilling, grouting and anchoring, towards which an expenditure in excess of Rs.40 crores has been incurred by the Board to date. The Shrine Board, under the guidance and directions of the Chairman, SMVDSB, has been working tirelessly to improve the pilgrimage experience, and this collaboration is a significant milestone in this endeavour, he added. With the expertise and resources of THDCIL and GSI, the Shrine Board is poised to take a major leap forward in ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims while promoting sustainable pilgrimage and protecting the shrine's ecosystem, he said. Additionally, the partnership will not only enhance the safety and security of pilgrims but also contribute to the overall development of the region, the spokesman said...////...