SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday set up a high-level, three-member committee to investigate the causes of the recent landslide along the pilgrim route to the Vaishno Devi shrine on Trikuta Hills in Reasi district.
The inquiry comes a day after protests in Katra—the base town for pilgrims—targeted the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), accusing it of over-commercializing the pilgrimage site. It also follows Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioning the decision to allow the Yatra amid warnings of heavy rainfall.
The committee, chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Jal Shakti, has been asked to submit its report to Sinha, who also serves as the chairman of the SMVDSB, within two weeks, according to an official order.
