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Key Points

The Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended for 12 consecutive days due to dangerous weather and landslides. This follows the August 26 tragedy that claimed 34 lives when heavy rains triggered a massive landslide. A high-level committee has been formed to investigate the incident and recommend safety measures. Meanwhile, the Army has been assisting in restoration efforts in other affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points: Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended 12 Days After Deadly Landslide

  • Landslide on August 26 killed 34 pilgrims near Adhkuwari
  • Yellow alert issued for thunderstorms on September 8-9
  • High-level committee investigating causes and response measures
  • Army built makeshift bridge in Bhaderwah after flash floods
2 min read

J-K: Vaishno Devi Yatra continue to remain suspended for 12th consecutive day

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage remains closed for 12th day due to landslides and weather alerts. Committee investigates August 26 tragedy that killed 34 devotees.

"The committee shall examine in detail the causes and reasons behind the incident - Official Order"

Reasi, September 6

Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra continued to remain suspended for the 12th consecutive day on Saturday due to persistent adverse weather conditions and incidents of landslides along the pilgrimage route.

Heavy rainfall over the past several days triggered landslides and road blockages in the Trikuta Hills, making the pilgrimage route unsafe for devotees.

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre of Srinagar, there is no alert for the district till September 7. However, the weather department has issued a yellow alert for "thunderstorms, lightning and squalls" for September 8-9.

The Vaishno Devi Yatra was suspended after a landslide on August 26 that killed 34 people and injured several. The disaster struck in the afternoon, around 3 pm, when heavy rains triggered a massive landslide near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, about halfway along the 12-kilometre trek from Katra to the shrine.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had ordered the constitution of a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the landslide.

Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Jal Shakti, Jammu and Kashmir, is heading the committee, which includes the Divisional Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police, Jammu.

According to an official order, the committee also includes the Divisional Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police, Jammu.

The committee has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation and submitting its report within two weeks to LG Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), it said.

The order has stated that the Committee shall examine in detail the causes and reasons behind the incident and point out any lapses, assess responses in the form of rescue and relief measures undertaken, and suggest appropriate SOPs and measures for preventing recurrence of such incidents in the future, the order said.

Meanwhile, villagers in the Bhaderwah areas of Doda district were cut off after cloudbursts and flash floods, which led the 4 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Army to construct a makeshift wooden footbridge in under 18 hours to restore connectivity in the affected areas.

The calamity that struck Beja village earlier this week washed away vital roads, leaving residents of Butla, Beja, Shrekhi, and Katyara isolated from the main town.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My family had planned our yatra for next week. Disappointed but completely understand the safety concerns. Those landslides were devastating. Better to wait than risk more lives.
A
Arjun K
The administration is doing the right thing by being cautious. After 34 lives lost, we cannot take any chances. Hope the weather improves soon and proper infrastructure is put in place.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the safety measures, I hope the shrine board is providing proper updates and refunds for those who had booked online. Communication during such times is crucial.
V
Vikram M
The Army constructing that bridge in 18 hours shows real dedication! Salute to our armed forces for helping the isolated villages. Meanwhile, hope the yatra resumes safely soon.
N
Nisha Z
This is heartbreaking. So many devotees' plans disrupted, but the tragedy that occurred shows why it's necessary. Mata Rani will understand. Safety of pilgrims must be priority number one.

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