The Ministry of Jal Shakti has declared Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir as the ‘Best Swachh Iconic place’ in the country under the ‘Swachh Iconic Places’ lists on September 3.
Based on overall improvement in sanitation, the Shrine has grabbed the top spot in the list. In the fast few years, several initiatives were undertaken to make sure the Shrine is kept clean.
Initiatives like reverse vending machines, installation of kill waste machine, equid dung management centre, water kiosk, disposal of waste, regular mopping of the area with 1300 sanitation workers have enabled the cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in Reasi district to achieve the top rank.
The Shrine competed against other famous places such as Taj Mahal, Manikarnika Ghat, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
The Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board – Satya Pal Malik expressed his happiness and praised the CEO and all employees of the Board, particularly those engaged in the sanitation.
This is not the first time the iconic Shrine has been awarded for its clean and hygienic environment. In 2018, the Shrine was declared the cleanest religious place by the IndiaToday Group. In 2017, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation conferred the Shrine with a special award for clinching the second spot.
President Ram Nath Kovind will present the prestigious award to the Shrine during the Swachh Mahotsav organised by the Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation on the 6th September.
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