The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra was also postponed for the 10th consecutive day due to frequent incidents of landslides on adverse weather and pilgrimage route. There has been a sudden flood due to continuous heavy rains and the slope has become unstable, causing a serious threat to the safety of the pilgrims. Officials said the reconstruction work is going on, the Shrine Board, NDRF, SDRF and local administration teams are working round the clock to remove debris and stabilize sensitive parts. However, in the interest of public safety, the journey will be postponed until the situation improves and the route is declared safe.
Also read this: Jammu and Kashmir: Landslide on Mata Vaishno Devi temple route, no casualties
The district officials have urged the devotees to cooperate in temporary suspension and avoid unnecessary journey of the base camp at Katra. The administration has assured that regular information will be given and all necessary arrangements are being made to resume the pilgrimage as soon as possible. Jammu and Kashmir (JK) Jammu division officials on Wednesday ordered the closure of all government and private schools on 4 September after heavy rains and meteorological alerts were issued in the area.
This decision was taken as a precautionary measure after landslides in many hilly areas, which caused alert to the daily life and threat to the safety of students. In addition, the official statement mentions that online classes can be held wherever possible. A disastrous landslide occurred near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, killing more than 30 people and injured 20 others. The disaster came around 3 pm on Tuesday afternoon, when heavy rains caused a major landslide near the Indraprastha restaurant in Ardhkunwari, about half the way from Katra to the temple.
Also read this: Jammu-Kashmir: Break on expectations of thousands of devotees! Vaishno Devi Yatra postponed for the 9th consecutive day
On 27 August, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra was postponed due to landslides in which 34 people were killed and heavy rains. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the formation of a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of landslides.