Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra Remains Suspended for Eighth Day Amid Adverse Weather

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, remains suspended for the eighth consecutive day as continuous heavy rains and frequent landslides have made the route unsafe for pilgrims. Authorities said the decision has been taken keeping in view the safety of devotees.

 

 

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has cancelled all bookings, including helicopter tickets and rooms, and said that pilgrims will get a full refund until the yatra starts again.

 

 

The yatra was stopped on August 26 after a big landslide caused by heavy rains and a cloudburst hit the Adhkuwari route in Trikuta hills, Reasi district. Sadly, 34 pilgrims lost their lives and around 20 were injured in that incident.

 

 

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has formed a three member committee to investigate the tragedy. The panel will be led by Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, and will also have the Divisional Commissioner Jammu and the Inspector General of Police Jammu as members.

 

 

It is also important to mention that heavy rainfall has badly disrupted normal life in Jammu division. Landslides have blocked roads at several places, and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been partially restored only to clear stranded vehicles. Schools have also remained closed for the past 10 days.

 

 

On Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the flood affected areas in Jammu district and announced that an amount of Rs 209 crore has been allocated by the central government to Jammu & Kashmir under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to begin relief work.