Associated News Bureau

CII Proposes Green Habitat Framework to Transform Katra into Sustainable Pilgrimage Hub

KATRA, June 13: A delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Jammu & Kashmir UT Council, led by its Chairman, Mr. Iqram Ali Shafiee, called on Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, and Additional CEO Mr. Alok Kumar Maurya, to present a comprehensive proposal aimed at promoting sustainable and eco-friendly development in the pilgrimage town of Katra. The delegation submitted a proposal advocating the adoption of the Indian Green Building Council’s (IGBC) Green Hill Habitat Rating System, a framework designed to facilitate holistic and environmentally responsible urban development in hilly regions. Drawing inspiration from the Platinum-certified Kedarnath Master Plan, the proposal envisions Katra emerging as a global model for low-carbon, eco-sensitive pilgrimage tourism. According to the proposal, the rating system is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 and India’s National Mission on Sustainable Habitat. It outlines measures that could help achieve significant reductions in energy and water consumption, strengthen green cover, improve integrated transportation systems, and enhance e-governance while safeguarding the region’s ecological balance. The proposal estimates that implementation of the framework could reduce energy demand by 20 to 30 percent and water demand by 30 to 40 percent, while supporting sustainable infrastructure and environmental resilience. CEO Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya acknowledged the proposal and appreciated the presentation on the Kedarnath model. Highlighting the Shrine Board’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, he expressed willingness to examine the framework and assess its potential contribution to strengthening Katra’s environmental sustainability and improving facilities for pilgrims. The initiative is being viewed as a significant step towards positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a frontrunner in sustainable mountain development and green pilgrimage infrastructure. The CII delegation included Mr. Siddhant Chowdhary, Vice Chairman, CII J&K UT Council; Mr. Sahil Kishor Sharma, Convenor, CII J&K Infrastructure Panel and Managing Director, Sahraj Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd.; Mr. Shivang Mahajan, Convenor, CII J&K Tourism and Hospitality Panel and Director, DAR-E-AAB-CREATIONS; Mr. Raj Kumar Padha, Co-Convenor, CII J&K Tourism and Hospitality Panel and CEO, Hotel Rama Palace; and Mr. Khurshid Dar, Director, CII J&K UT Council. ANB