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Key Points

The Katra SDM has ordered immediate evacuation of all commercial establishments from Asia Chowk to Darshani Deodi due to landslide risks from heavy rainfall. This preventive measure aims to protect pilgrims and prevent loss of life in vulnerable areas. The order requires establishments to obtain safety certificates from PWD before reopening. This comes after recent landslides that killed five people and suspended the Vaishno Devi Yatra.

Key Points: Katra SDM Orders Asia Chowk to Darshani Deodi Hotel Evacuation

  • Order issued under Section 163 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023
  • Commercial establishments deemed vulnerable to landslides
  • Aimed at preventing loss of life during pilgrimage season
  • Safety certificate from PWD required before reoccupation
  • Recent landslides killed 5 people near Vaishno Devi shrine
  • Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended due to weather
3 min read

J-K: Katra SDM orders evacuation of commercial establishments from Asia Chowk to Darshani Deodi

Katra SDM Piyush Dhotra orders immediate evacuation of hotels and dharmashalas due to landslide risks from heavy rainfall, ensuring pilgrim safety.

"This is a preventive and precautionary order given the weather and the incessant rains - no need to panic. - SDM Piyush Dhotra"

Katra Reasi, August 31

Amid heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate in Katra has issued a precautionary order to vacate all commercial hotels and dharmashalas on the stretch from Asia Chowk to Darshani Deodi.

According to the order, the commercial establishments located on the hill from Asia Chowk to Balini Bridge and from Balini Bridge to Darshani Deodl have become vulnerable and may face incidents of landslides in the future.

Speaking to ANI, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Katra Piyush Dhotra said that the order is "preventive and precautionary. It is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims, he said.

"This is a preventive and precautionary order given the weather and the incessant rains - no need to panic. For the last three to four days, a few areas in the Katra subdivision have remained vulnerable. There are landslides, and roads have sunk in some places. Landslides have occurred in Karmal (earlier), and now the same has happened near Balini (check post)," Dhotra informed.

The SDM argued that the intent to issue such an order was to prevent any loss of life due to landslides or other natural calamities.

"We assessed the areas that remain vulnerable, and we figured that the stretch from Asia Hotel to Darshani Deodi is witnessing landslides. On the one hand, we are working to clear roads and restore connectivity. Second, we intend to prevent any loss of life. This stretch has a concentration of commercial establishments, which makes them vulnerable," Dhotra said.

"To prevent any mishap, we have issued an order requesting that these places be vacated. In case there is damage, there is no loss of life," he added.

"In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, I, Piyush Dhotra, JKAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Katra, hereby order the vacation of all commercial establishments located on the stretch from Asia Chowk to Balini Bridge and from Balini Bridge to Darshani Deodl with immediate effect, till these establishments obtain Safety Certificate from the Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B), Katra," the order read.

On August 26, at least five people were killed and 10 others injured as heavy rains led to a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.

Rescue teams rushed to the spot soon after the incident. The bodies and the injured were shifted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra.

Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended following landslides triggered by incessant rainfall.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This evacuation will affect so many businesses and pilgrims. While I understand the safety concerns, the administration should also provide temporary arrangements for these establishments. Many families depend on this income.
A
Arjun K
Finally some proactive measures! The Katra area has been neglected for too long. Proper infrastructure and safety measures should have been implemented years ago. Hope this leads to permanent solutions.
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Sarah B
As someone who visited Vaishno Devi last year, I can say the terrain is indeed challenging. The authorities are making the right call here. No amount of business revenue is worth risking lives.
Vikram M
The timing is crucial with ongoing rains. Hope the administration also ensures quick safety certifications once the weather improves. The yatra suspension is already affecting the local economy significantly.
M
Michael C
This is exactly how disaster management should work - preventive action rather than reactive. Other hilly states should learn from this approach. Climate change is making these events more frequent.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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