- The NGT conjointly said that a brand new path to the shrine completely for pedestrians and battery-operated cars are opened from Nov 24.
- The green panel additionally directed that no horses or mules shall be allowed on the new route to the shrine.
Only 50,000 pilgrims are allowed to go to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu to avoid any untoward incident, the National green assembly directed on 13th Nov.
The Green panel additionally said that a brand new path to the shrine solely for pedestrians and battery-operated cars are opened from Nov 24.
The NGT directed that no horses or mules shall be allowed on the new route to the shrine and these animals shall be removed slowly from the previous path also.
It additionally directed the authorities to impose a fine (environment compensation) of Rs 2,000 on anyone found littering the roads likewise as the bus stop at the close by Katra city.
The NGT bench headed by Chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar said it clear that if the amount of pilgrims exceeds the prescribed 50,000 cap, they're going to be stopped at Ardhkuwari or Katra city, considering that the Vaishno Devi Bhawan structure cannot accommodate over 50,000 persons.
The green panel's directions came throughout the hearing of a plea filed by an activist seeking directions to prevent the utilization of horses and ponies in Vaishno Devi shrine premises in Jammu, prompting the green panel to hunt response from the govt on the problem.
The petitioner had expressed concern over the "pollution and danger to public health" caused by indiscriminate use of horses, ponies, mules and donkeys, to hold pilgrims and product from Katra to the Vaishno Devi temple.The directions came whereas NGT was hearing a plea filed by activist Gauri Maulekhi seeking to get rid of horses and mules from the trail to the shrine, saying it absolutely was dangerous for the pedestrians, particularly the senior citizens.
"The new path that was made for Rs 40cr ought to be completely opened to public by Nov 24. No additional time going to be granted and, in default, acceptable action are going to be taken against the involved authorities." it said.
- guide by Arun kumar (updated on 27th april 2017)