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Key Points

The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage has been suspended for six days following a devastating landslide. The disaster near Adhkuwari claimed over 30 lives and injured 20 pilgrims last Tuesday. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident. The shrine board has denied allegations that they ignored weather warnings before the tragedy.

Key Points: Vaishno Devi Yatra Suspended 6 Days After Landslide Kills 30

  • Landslide near Adhkuwari killed 30 pilgrims and injured 20 others
  • High-level committee formed to investigate causes within two weeks
  • Shrine Board denies allegations of ignoring weather advisories
  • Yatra suspended since August 27 due to continuous rainfall
2 min read

Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended for sixth consecutive day

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage remains halted as LG Sinha orders probe into landslide that killed 30 pilgrims near Adhkuwari. Committee to submit report in 2 weeks.

"SMVDSB expresses deep sorrow and pain at the unfortunate loss of lives of pilgrims in the natural disaster - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board"

Katra, August 31

The Shree Mata Vaishno Devi yatra remains suspended for the sixth consecutive day on Sunday after landslides triggered continuous rainfall in the region.

A devastating landslide occurred near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district, claiming more than 30 lives and injuring 20 others. The disaster struck on Tuesday 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.

On Wednesday (August 27), the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi yatra was suspended due to a landslide and heavy rainfall. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has 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, will head 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.

On Friday, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of pilgrims' lives in the natural disaster on August 26. It clarified the factual details to counter misleading media reports, said an official.

In a statement issued by SMVDSB, "A few media reports have been circulating since yesterday alleging that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra was allowed to proceed in complete disregard to weather advisories and at the expense of pilgrim safety. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) expresses deep sorrow and pain at the unfortunate loss of lives of pilgrims in the natural disaster on 26th August, and places on record the correct factual position to dispel the impression being created by the insinuating media reports. The Board categorically denies the allegations as false and baseless."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My family was planning to visit next month. Safety should be the top priority, even if it means suspending the yatra. Better to wait than risk lives. The authorities are doing the right thing.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the committee formation, why does it take such tragedies for authorities to act? The hilly regions need better infrastructure and early warning systems. This is basic governance.
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Nisha Z
Om Shanti to all the departed souls. 🙏 The families must be devastated. Hope the relief measures reach them properly. The shrine board should also provide compensation to affected families.
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Vikram M
I visited Vaishno Devi last year and the path is indeed challenging during rains. The authorities need to invest in better drainage systems and reinforced structures along the trek route.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has done this pilgrimage, it's heartbreaking to see this news. The devotion of people walking those difficult paths deserves better safety protocols. Hope the investigation brings real changes.

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