Jammu, Sept 16: The Vaishno Devi Yatra from the base camp Katra in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, remained suspended for the 22nd consecutive day due to adverse weather conditions. The pilgrimage, earlier scheduled to resume on September 14, has now been postponed until further notice, according to an official from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
Devotees have been urged to stay updated through official channels before planning their journey. The suspension follows the August 26 landslide near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, which claimed the lives of 34 people, mostly pilgrims, and left several injured.
In response, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who chairs the Shrine Board, has set up a three-member high-level committee to investigate the causes of the tragedy. The panel, headed by Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra, includes Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, B S Tuti, and will submit a comprehensive report to the LG.
On September 13, SMVDSB CEO Sachin Kumar Vaishya chaired a meeting at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra to ensure smooth operations ahead of the nine-day Navratras starting September 22, when a large influx of devotees is expected. The CEO emphasized coordination among stakeholders and stressed proactive measures for a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage during the festival period.