Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Suspension Enters 21st Day
Shrine Board urges devotees to await official updates as probe continues into August 26 incident that claimed 34 lives.
JAMMU, Sept 15: The pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine, which was scheduled to resume on September 14, remained suspended for the 21st consecutive day from the base camp at Katra in Reasi district, officials confirmed on Sunday.
An official of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) stated, “The commencement of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra stands postponed till further orders. Devotees are advised to stay updated only through official communication channels.”
The yatra has been on hold since August 26, when a devastating landslide near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari claimed 34 lives, mostly pilgrims, and left several others injured.
In response, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shrine Board, constituted a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the tragedy. The panel, headed by Additional Chief Secretary of the Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, along with Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police B. S. Tuti, has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report.
Meanwhile, ahead of the nine-day Navratras beginning September 22, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, chaired a joint meeting at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra. He stressed on close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure seamless arrangements for the expected large influx of devotees during the festival.
Despite the preparations, the yatra remains suspended until further safety measures are put in place.
