AgenciesA major landslide struck the Himkoti route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday afternoon, suspending battery car services and cutting off access via the new track. However, the traditional path remains open, and the pilgrimage is continuing without disruption.The landslide, triggered by heavy rains, occurred near the Satya View Point along the Himkoti track around noon when no pilgrims were on the route, officials said. No injuries have been reported.
According to officials, continuous rainfall for nearly two and a half hours led to the landslide, which covered more than 30 feet of the pathway with stones, mud, and debris. As a result, movement of devotees and operation of the battery car service were suspended. The helicopter service also remained suspended for the fifth consecutive day due to poor weather conditions. The cable car service from Bhawan to Bhairav Valley was also halted.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board immediately deployed teams and machinery to clear the affected section. “The shrine board immediately pressed its men and machines to clear the debris which is spread over more than a 30-feet area,” officials said.
Pilgrims have been diverted to the traditional uphill path, which has remained open and functional. Devotees continued the yatra on foot or by using ponies, palkis, or pithoos. Despite the landslide and bad weather, the turnout remained high.As of Monday evening, over 18,800 pilgrims had registered for the yatra that day. On June 22, a total of 34,717 devotees undertook the journey.To ensure safety and manage the situation, the shrine board, local police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and disaster management teams have been deployed across all routes. Authorities are advising pilgrims to exercise caution and avoid stopping near landslide-prone areas.
According to officials, continuous rainfall for nearly two and a half hours led to the landslide, which covered more than 30 feet of the pathway with stones, mud, and debris. As a result, movement of devotees and operation of the battery car service were suspended. The helicopter service also remained suspended for the fifth consecutive day due to poor weather conditions. The cable car service from Bhawan to Bhairav Valley was also halted.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board immediately deployed teams and machinery to clear the affected section. “The shrine board immediately pressed its men and machines to clear the debris which is spread over more than a 30-feet area,” officials said.
Repair work on the battery car path is underway and officials expect the route to reopen once conditions improve.
Pilgrims have been diverted to the traditional uphill path, which has remained open and functional. Devotees continued the yatra on foot or by using ponies, palkis, or pithoos. Despite the landslide and bad weather, the turnout remained high.As of Monday evening, over 18,800 pilgrims had registered for the yatra that day. On June 22, a total of 34,717 devotees undertook the journey.To ensure safety and manage the situation, the shrine board, local police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and disaster management teams have been deployed across all routes. Authorities are advising pilgrims to exercise caution and avoid stopping near landslide-prone areas.
Officials said, “All routes are being monitored. Pilgrims are being instructed to travel with caution and not to halt near landslide zones.”
Despite the challenges, devotees continued their journey, chanting slogans in praise of the goddess along with their families and companions.
(Inputs from PTI)
