SAHIL BHAT
SEPT 12: After remaining suspended for 19 days owing to heavy landslide that claimed 34 lives, the pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shall resume from September 14.
The Shrine Board officials said, “Following a temporary suspension necessitated by inclement weather conditions and essential maintenance of the track leading to the holy shrine, the yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shall resume from September 14 subject to favourable weather conditions.”
The authorities said, “Pilgrims are advised to carry valid identification, follow designated pathways and cooperate with on-ground staff. RFID-based tracking remains mandatory for transparency and traceability. For live updates, booking services and helpline support, devotees can visit the Shrine Board’s official website.”
The Shrine Board has thanked all devotees for their patience and understanding amid the suspension of the pilgrimage.
“The commencement of yatra after the halt of 19 days stands as a token of faith and Board remains committed to upholding the sanctity, safety of this holy pilgrimage,” Shrine Board said.
At least 34 people lost lives and several were injured in the landslide that hit Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari.
J&K LG Manoj Sinha has constituted a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the August 26 landslide.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, B S Tuti, will be submitting a comprehensive report to LG Sinha in this regard.
