JAMMU: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has denied allegations of ignoring weather advisories and compromising pilgrim safety during the recent tragedy, clarifying that the yatra was suspended at noon on August 26, ahead of the cloudburst that triggered a massive landslide.
The disaster occurred near Adhkuwari in the Trikuta hills, where a cloudburst led to a landslide, killing 34 pilgrims and injuring 18 others. The Board, however, did not disclose the official toll in its statement.
Responding to reports that the yatra was allowed to continue despite warnings, the Shrine Board expressed “deep sorrow and pain” over the loss of lives but termed the allegations “false and baseless.”
According to the Board, weather conditions remained clear until 10 am on August 26, with even helicopter services operating normally. Registrations were suspended once the forecast of moderate rains was received, and most pilgrims had already descended after completing darshan. Others were sheltered at designated halt points considered safe from landslides.
The Board noted that the new Tarakote track, more prone to slides, had already been closed on August 24. The old track, considered stable and generally secure, was kept open with close monitoring. Yatra on this route was also halted by 12 noon on August 26 following a weather advisory.
The cloudburst struck unexpectedly at 2:40 pm near Inderprastha Bhojanalaya, triggering a landslide in a 50-metre stretch never previously affected. Calling it a “force majeure” event, the Board said it was “unpredictable and unforeseen from any count.”
The Disaster Management Task Force, along with the district administration, J&K Police, CRPF, Army, NDRF, SDRF, and volunteers, launched immediate rescue and relief operations. Eighteen injured pilgrims were given first aid and later shifted to the Shrine Board’s super-specialty hospital in Kakryal. Stranded pilgrims were evacuated via Tarakote by the evening, while debris clearance and slope stabilisation began on a war footing.
Reiterating that all decisions were made strictly in line with weather forecasts, the Board said the tragedy was beyond human anticipation or control. It assured full support to the bereaved families and continued medical care for the injured, praying for their speedy recovery.
