Jammu, Oct 4: Authorities in Kishtwar district have announced a three-day suspension of the revered Machail Mata Yatra from October 5 to 7 following an inclement weather warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The decision, officials said, has been taken purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims amid forecasts of heavy rainfall, potential landslides, and possible snowfall in the region.
In an official order, Kishtwar District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma stated that no pilgrim will be allowed to proceed toward the shrine during this period. “The suspension is aimed at preventing any mishap due to adverse weather conditions. We request full cooperation from pilgrims and all stakeholders,” he said. The administration’s caution comes in the wake of devastating incidents earlier this year — including a cloudburst in Chisoti on August 14 that claimed 65 lives and left 32 people missing, and a landslide near the Vaishno Devi track on August 26 that killed 34 pilgrims.
Authorities emphasized that pilgrim safety remains the top priority, and preparations are underway to respond swiftly to any weather-related emergencies. Clearance teams for roads and snow have already been mobilized to maintain connectivity in case of disruptions. Meanwhile, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has also suspended its pilgrimage during the same period, reflecting the seriousness of the weather forecast.
Officials in Doda district have issued additional advisories, urging residents to stay away from rivers and landslide-prone areas and recommending that pregnant women and critical patients be moved to safer locations in advance. Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh urged nomadic families not to camp near water bodies and assured that all precautionary arrangements have been made to safeguard lives and property.
The Machail Mata Yatra, which draws thousands of devotees each year to the remote shrine in the Paddar valley, is a vital religious and cultural event for the region. Authorities said the suspension, though temporary, is necessary to avert any tragedy and will be lifted once weather conditions improve and routes are declared safe.