The pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Reasi district of J&K is likely to resume from September 14 after remaining suspended for 19 days, according to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Board (SMVDSB) officials. The yatra was suspended following a landslide on August 26 that claimed 34 lives and left 20 others injured. This calamity had led to a furore as to why the yatra was not suspended if there was prior information regarding heavy precipitation and possible threat to the prospective pilgrims.
The Shrine Board had issued a clarification later which said that very few if any pilgrims were visiting the shrine at that time. Due to inclement weather, all necessary precautions were being taken and all standard operating procedures (SOPs) that have been evolved over considerable period of time were being strictly followed, its statement had clarified. It had also set up a three-member high-powered committee to inquire into the circumstances that led to the tragedy to fix responsibility for any violations of SoPs etc.
“Jai Mata Di! The Vaishno Devi Yatra will resume from September 14 (Sunday), subject to favourable weather conditions. For details and bookings, please visit www.maavaishnodevi.org,” the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) announced on X.
The Shrin Board further stated that the temporary suspension was necessitated due to inclement weather conditions and essential maintenance of the track leading to shrine. The yatra will resume as scheduled, provided weather conditions remain favourable. Other reasons for the yatra remaining suspended for a long duration included disruption in train services to Katra and the snapping of road link between Pathankot and Jammu. This had happened as some vital bridges developed cracks and caved in at a few places on the Pathankot-Jammu stretch of National Highway.
A spokesperson of the SMVDB advised pilgrims to carry valid identification, follow designated pathways and cooperate with on-ground staff. Incidentally, additional staff will be deployed on the treks so that pilgrims followed designated routes and not attempt dangerous short cuts.
“RFID-based tracking will remain mandatory for transparency and traceability. For live updates, booking services, and helpline support, devotees are encouraged to visit the Shrine Board’s official website: www.maavaishnodevi.org,” it said. The Shrine Board expressed its gratitude to all devotees for their patience and understanding during the suspension period.
“The resumption of the Yatra marks a reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience. The Board remains committed to upholding the sanctity, safety, and dignity of this revered pilgrimage,” the spokesperson added.
The yatra suspension was the longest since the COVID-19 restrictions, with authorities prioritising pilgrim safety and completing restoration work on the damaged track and commercial structures in Katra. During the disruption of the rail and road traffic to Katra, some pilgrims were left stranded as the trains got cancelled and they could not return to their homes as planned. At such a critical juncture, hoteliers in Katra stepped forward to help those in distress. They pooled together and stranded pilgrims were provided free boarding and lodging till normalcy returned and return journeys became possible via special trains that ran between Jammu and Delhi.
A cloudburst-induced landslide had taken place at Adhkuwari in the Trikuta Hills leading to fatal casualties as also injuries to pilgrims. The Yatra was suspended the same day as a precaution to ensure safety of the pilgrims.
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