JK News Today
Katra, October 2: Reaffirming its commitment to social support in the field of education, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has launched a comprehensive initiative to repair and renovate government schools in the Reasi district that were damaged by recent rains and landslides.
The Shrine Board, acting on the directives of its Chairman, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, has prioritized the urgent restoration of the affected government schools.
The schools identified for immediate intervention are located in Katra and its adjoining areas, including Purana Daroor, Chumbra, Kakryal, Bratisala, Bagha, Panthal, Sarhi, Sirla, Hansali, Chack Bhagta, Manoon, Chamba, Dadura, Doomar, Gabber, Kanika, Kanyala, Dhanoo, Geeta Nagar, and Chanjute.
These schools faced extensive damage to classrooms, boundary walls, and sanitation facilities following heavy rains and subsequent landslides. In some cases, students were attending classes in temporary shelters or open spaces.
Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB has directed the concerned officials to accord highest priority to the restoration of affected schools and ensure timely completion of the works after assessing the extent of damage. He emphasized that the initiative must be executed with urgency so that children in these areas can resume their education without further disruption. The CEO affirmed that the Board shall continue to stand by the people of Reasi, especially in times of adversity. The restoration work will be carried out in a phased manner over the coming months, with immediate attention on the most severely damaged schools.
As part of its social support initiatives, the Shrine Board has consistently undertaken infrastructure development and upgradation projects in Katra and its adjoining areas aimed at promoting the overall socio-economic growth of the region.
Over the years, the Board has successfully executed several civic improvement works in Katra town, including the renovation and upgradation of the Government Girls High School at Banganga Road, installation of ornamental railings and dual-lamp LED street lights along the central verge of the road leading to the Railway Station, Katra, besides the provision of children’s playground equipment at Shalimar Park. Additionally, the Board facilitated the construction of roads and drainage systems in Ward No. 2 of Katra. The Shrine Board has also extended financial assistance to the Municipal Committee, Katra, enabling the execution of various development projects and enhancement of sanitation and other civic amenities in the town.
