Vaishno Devi Yatra suspended for fourth consecutive day amid adverse weather
Katra, July 22
Katra, the base camp of the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, wears a deserted look as the Yatra remained suspended for the fourth consecutive day due to prevailing adverse weather conditions in the region.
The pilgrimage has remained suspended as a precautionary measure amid inclement weather, affecting the movement of devotees towards the holy cave shrine. The suspension has resulted in a significant decline in pilgrim movement across Katra, which otherwise remains bustling with devotees throughout the day.
Pilgrims have been advised to remain updated with official advisories and avoid proceeding towards the Yatra routes until the pilgrimage is formally resumed.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is expected to resume once weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) has been suspended due to heavy and incessant rainfall, triggering mudslides and shooting stones at multiple locations along the highway.
No vehicles are being allowed to proceed from either Qazigund in Kashmir or Udhampur towards Ramban amid the adverse weather conditions.
The region has been witnessing rainfall for the past two days.
Heavy rainfall also lashed Bhalesa in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district, causing rivers, streams and drains to swell and damaging houses, crops and agricultural land. Amid flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides, the administrations of Doda and Kishtwar have urged people to avoid high-altitude, landslide-prone and riverbank areas until weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, thick fog enveloped the mountains of Ramban following heavy rainfall across the region, causing a noticeable drop in temperature. The continuous rain has transformed the surrounding hills into mist-covered vistas, while low-hanging clouds and dense fog reduced visibility in several areas.
The continuous rainfall in Reasi and upper catchment areas has triggered a surge in water inflow into the Salal reservoir, prompting authorities to open all gates of the dam to regulate the rising water level.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I feel for the devotees who planned their trip months in advance, only to face delays. But honestly, the administration is doing the right thing—no point risking lives in such treacherous weather. Let's hope the rain stops and the Yatra resumes soon.
I visited Vaishno Devi a few years back during a similar situation. The authorities are very cautious, which is good. But the economic impact on Katra's local businesses must be huge. Shopkeepers and hotel owners must be struggling. Hope the government provides some relief.
It's not just Vaishno Devi—NH44 being closed is a nightmare for Kashmir-bound travellers. And the flooding in Doda and Kishtwar is alarming. Climate change is real, yaar. We need better disaster management in these hill states.
I appreciate that the authorities are prioritizing safety over revenue. But I wish they'd provide more frequent updates for pilgrims stuck in transit. Better communication would ease a lot of anxiety. Stay safe, everyone! 🙏
The rain in Reasi causing Salal dam gates to open is a serious matter. Downstream areas must be on alert. Hope the authorities manage the water flow carefully. Nature is unpredictable, but we can control the response.
V Vikram M < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.