Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Suspended for 10th Consecutive Day Due to Landslides

Ongoing Suspension of Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage

Due to persistent adverse weather conditions and repeated landslides along the pilgrimage route, the journey to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi has been suspended for the tenth consecutive day. Heavy rainfall has led to sudden flooding and unstable slopes, posing a serious threat to the safety of pilgrims. Officials have reported that reconstruction efforts are underway, with teams from the Shrine Board, NDRF, SDRF, and local administration working around the clock to clear debris and stabilize vulnerable areas. However, in the interest of public safety, the pilgrimage will remain suspended until conditions improve and the route is deemed safe.

 

District officials have requested devotees to cooperate with the temporary suspension and to avoid unnecessary travel to the base camp in Katra. The administration has assured that regular updates will be provided, and all necessary arrangements are being made to resume the pilgrimage as soon as possible. Following heavy rainfall and a weather alert in the Jammu region, authorities ordered the closure of all government and private schools on September 4.

 

This decision was made as a precautionary measure due to landslides affecting several hilly areas, disrupting daily life and endangering student safety. Additionally, the official statement mentioned that online classes may be conducted wherever feasible. A devastating landslide near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, Reasi district, resulted in over 30 fatalities and 20 injuries. This disaster occurred around 3 PM on Tuesday when heavy rains triggered a significant landslide halfway along the 12-kilometer trek from Katra to the temple, near the Indraprasth eatery at Ardhkuwari.

 

On August 27, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was suspended due to a landslide that claimed 34 lives amid heavy rainfall. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has ordered the formation of a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the landslide.