KATRA, AUGUST 27: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today visited Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra, to meet devotees injured in the recent landslide near Ardhkuwari at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and inquire about their well-being.
Senior doctors briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the medical condition of the injured and the treatment being administered. LG Sinha directed the doctors and hospital administration to ensure the best possible care for a speedy recovery. Currently, 13 individuals are undergoing treatment at the hospital, and their condition is reported to be stable.
Expressing gratitude, the Lieutenant Governor thanked emergency responders, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board employees, and citizens for their swift and exemplary actions, which saved many lives.
Addressing the media, he said, “Yatra was suspended yesterday due to adverse weather. A cloudburst occurred, affecting devotees at Ardhkuwari. It was a heart-wrenching natural calamity in which we lost precious lives. We are providing all possible support to the bereaved families.”
LG Sinha announced ex-gratia relief for the families of the deceased. As per Shrine Board policy, Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the next of kin, with an additional Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). He confirmed that both the Shrine Board and the administration are extending all necessary assistance to affected families.
The Lieutenant Governor also briefed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on the flood situation and ongoing relief and rescue operations across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He directed officials to maintain maximum readiness and ensure the presence of staff at their posts to respond promptly to any emergency.
