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Key Points

A landslide disrupted the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Ban Ganga, injuring six devotees, with four requiring hospital treatment. Authorities confirmed no fatalities but reported chaotic scenes as falling stones triggered a stampede. JK LG Manoj Sinha expressed grief and assured medical support for the injured. The incident follows another landslide on the Jammu-Srinagar highway, raising concerns over monsoon-related hazards in the region.

Key Points: Landslide Hits Vaishno Devi Track in Ban Ganga Injures 6 Devotees

  • Six devotees injured in Ban Ganga landslide near Vaishno Devi track
  • Four shifted to Narayana Hospital with orthopaedic injuries
  • JK LG Manoj Sinha assures medical aid for injured pilgrims
  • Incident follows another landslide on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway
2 min read

Jammu and Kashmir: Landslide hits Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track in Ban Ganga

A landslide struck the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track in Ban Ganga, injuring six devotees. Authorities confirm no casualties as rescue efforts continue.

"Till now, there is no report for casualties. 6 devotees came to me in an injured state... – BMO Rashpal Bangotra"

Katra, July 21

A landslide occurred in the Ban Ganga area of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi track this morning. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board shared information about the incident and stated that clearing work is ongoing.

Injured people were admitted to the CHC (Community Health Centre) Katra after the landslide hit the Mata Vaishno Devi track.

Katra Block Medical Officer (BMO) Rashpal Bangotra stated that no casualties have been reported in the landslide incident so far. He added that this morning, around 8:20 a.m., they received information about the landslide, and a total of six injured devotees reached them within 15 minutes, of whom four were shifted to Narayana for treatment.

While speaking to ANI, BMO Bangotra said, "Till now, there is no report for casualties. 6 devotees came to me in an injured state, of whom 4 had orthopaedic injuries, and we have shifted them to Narayana... We got this information around 8:20 a.m., and in around 15 minutes, the devotees came to us."

A family member of the victim said that they were booking tickets to visit the Vaishno Devi Temple when the whole incident happened. He said that at first, stones started falling, and then suddenly, a landslide occurred, which also led to a stampede. He added that many devotees were buried under the landslide.

"We came here yesterday only from the Amarnath Yatra, and we were going to visit the Vaishno Devi temple. In the morning, when we were booking the tickets for the horses, this incident happened. First, the stones were falling, and then suddenly there was a landslide, and there was a stampede, and my mother suffered a leg fracture. Many devotees were also buried under the landslide...", said the family member of one of the injured.

JK LG Manoj Sinha condoled the loss of life in the accident, "I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslide incident at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in which a devotee unfortunately lost his life. Directed Shrine Board to provide best possible medical care and support to the injured pilgrims. I'm constantly monitoring the situation."

On Sunday, a landslide occurred near Dewal Bridge at Samroli village on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in Udhampur. The landslide resulted in the blockage of the upper tube towards Kashmir.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My family was planning to visit next month. This is really scary! The shrine board should implement better crowd management and early warning systems for landslides.
A
Arjun K
The medical response seems efficient with quick transfers to Narayana hospital. Kudos to the local administration for prompt action. Hope the injured recover soon.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited last year, I must say the infrastructure needs serious upgrades. The pathways are too narrow for the number of devotees, especially during peak seasons.
K
Kavya N
Heartbreaking to hear about the devotee who lost their life. Mata Rani bless their soul. The government should compensate the affected families properly.
V
Vikram M
This is nature's fury, but we can minimize risks. The shrine board must install proper retaining walls and drainage systems along vulnerable stretches of the track.
M
Michael C
The description of the stampede is terrifying. Maybe they should limit the number of daily visitors during monsoon months? Safety should come before religious tourism revenue.

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