J&K LG offers prayers at Vaishno Devi Shrine, inspects facilities for pilgrims

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha offered prayers at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine on Friday. Sinha prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of the union territory. The LG was accompanied by Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's CEO, Ramesh Kumar. Sinha was on his first visit to the shrine after taking over as J&K LG. He inspected the facilities for Vaishno Devi Yatra pilgrims and directed to continue precautionary measures for safety of pilgrims. Sinha also inspected arrangements made by the Board for pilgrims. Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi Temple resumed after five months on August 16. Pilgrimage was suspended in March 18 due to Covid pandemic. Only 2,000 people will be allowed to visit the shrine per day. Shrine board will be abiding to health norms induced by Centre. The LG also inaugurated phase 1 of Jammu Ring Road project on Friday. The inauguration came two years after PM Modi laid its foundation stone. The foundation stone for the ring road was laid by PM Modi on May 19, 2018. Estimated cost of the 58.25 km-long Jammu ring road was Rs 1,339 crore. Sinha inaugurated an 8 km stretch of road from Akhnoor to Kot Bhalwal.