Madhya Pradesh studying Vaishno Devi model to upgrade pilgrimage management: CM Mohan Yadav
Jammu/Bhopal, May 29 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Friday that the state government is studying the management system of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen crowd management, security and pilgrim facilities at major religious destinations across the state.
Speaking to media persons in Jammu before leaving for the Mata Vaishno Devi Dham, Chief Minister Yadav added that a Madhya Pradesh government delegation had been assigned to conduct a detailed study of arrangements at the shrine, including digital registration systems, crowd control measures, accommodation facilities and streamlined darshan management.
"We are working continuously to improve facilities for devotees at religious places in Madhya Pradesh. Our aim is to develop the state as a model destination for pilgrims by adopting successful systems from across the country," the Chief Minister said.
During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, CM Yadav also held discussions with officials of the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department regarding pilgrimage management and tourism infrastructure.
He said the study would help the state government modernise administrative systems and improve services at key religious centres, including Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, Omkareshwar Dham and Bhojshala in Dhar.
"The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has created a highly organised and service-oriented system for devotees. Along with darshan arrangements, it is also operating educational and healthcare institutions. We want to study this model in detail and develop similar facilities in Madhya Pradesh," he added.
Highlighting ongoing religious infrastructure projects in the state, Chief Minister Yadav said development works worth nearly Rs 30,000 crore were underway in Ujjain for Simhastha 2028.
He added that the Ekatm Dham project at Omkareshwar, estimated to cost around Rs 3,000 crore, was also progressing rapidly.
The Chief Minister said the state government was committed to upgrading civic amenities, strengthening security arrangements and expanding facilities for pilgrims at religious destinations across the state.
He added that recommendations from the delegation studying pilgrimage centres across the country would be used to improve overall management systems and create a smoother experience for devotees visiting Madhya Pradesh.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive that they're thinking about pilgrim infrastructure so systematically. Rs 30,000 crore for Ujjain alone is serious investment. Hope the execution matches the ambition.
As someone who visits Mahakal regularly, this is much needed. The current crowd management during peak season is chaotic. Learning from Vaishno Devi's online slot booking system would be a game changer. Also hope they improve the approach roads.
Interesting move. Vaishno Devi's management is indeed world-class. The integrated approach with hospitals and schools alongside the shrine is something other states should emulate. MP has so many important pilgrimage sites - good to see this kind of strategic thinking. 🚩
Hope they also focus on cleanliness and basic amenities like drinking water and toilets. Last time I visited Omkareshwar, the facilities were quite basic despite the spiritual significance. Learning from Vaishno Devi's standards would be good but implementation matters more than study tours.
Ekatm Dham at Omkareshwar sounds ambitious. Hope it truly celebrates the unity of Indian thought rather than becoming just another commercial project. The emphasis on digital systems is good - online prasad booking and live darshan feeds would be very helpful for elderly pilgrims. 😊
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