Jammu,
Governor NN Vohra, who is also the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, today chaired a meeting of the board committee comprising Jammu-based members to discuss issues relating to mule owners and handlers operating on the track between Katra and Vaishno Devi shrine.

The committee, while discussing the issues relating to the rehabilitation of mule operators, asked Chief Secretary BB Vyas to timely seek the state Cabinet’s directions in the matter.

An official spokesperson of Raj Bhawan said the meeting discussed a note prepared by the Chief Secretary, in compliance to the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), in the matter Gauri Maulekhi vs State of J&K and Ors. The meeting discussed the NGT’s directions and the issues relating to the rehabilitation of mule operators and agreed that for the satisfactory management of the pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine, the availability of a given number of ponies would necessarily be required to meet the requirements of the pilgrims.

“In the context of complaints/protestations organised by the pony operators (in the wake of the NGT directions to the state government), which were supported by political parties/leaders, the committee was of the view that for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the yatra, the state government should take an overall view in the matter, particularly keeping in mind that a much larger number of pony/mule operators support the Amarnath Yatra,” the spokesperson said.

The board also noted that ponies were in demand by tourists visiting Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and other places of tourist attraction. The Governor emphasised the need for a holistic/harmonious view being arrived at for time-bound measures being taken to ensure the best possible rehabilitation of the registered mule owners/handlers.