JAMMU: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, set to resume after a 19-day hiatus, remained suspended today due to adverse weather conditions.
“Due to continuous rainfall at the Bhawan and along the track, the commencement of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra scheduled for today has been postponed until further notice,” an official from the Shrine Board said. Devotees have been advised to stay updated through official communication channels.
On August 26, a landslide near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, triggered by heavy rains, claimed at least 34 lives—mostly pilgrims—and injured several others.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, has set up a high-level three-member committee to probe the causes of the August 26 landslide. The committee, led by Additional Chief Secretary of the J&K Department of Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, includes Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, B S Tuti. A comprehensive report will be submitted to LG Sinha.
Earlier, on September 13, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, chaired a joint meeting at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra ahead of the nine-day Navratras, starting September 22. The meeting aimed to ensure a smooth pilgrimage during the festival.
The CEO emphasized that with Navratri celebrations approaching, a significant influx of devotees is expected at the Holy Shrine and Katra base camp. He called for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders and stressed proactive measures to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage during the festival period.
