The pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Cave Shrine, which was scheduled to begin on September 14, remained suspended today for the 21st consecutive day from base camp Katra in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. Even as Shrine Board is bracing up preparedness for upcoming Navratras, inclement weather is preventing the authorities not to allow resumption of the pilgrimage.
"Due to adverse weather conditions and repeated landslides along the track leading to the holy shrine, authorities do not want to take any risk to endanger lives of pilgrims," said an official. Devotees, though disappointed by the continued suspension, remain hopeful for an early restoration of the pilgrimage, he added.
The Board made the decision ahead of the shrine's reopening on Sunday, September 14 to accommodate the devotees during the upcoming Shardiya Navratras, scheduled from September 22 to October 1. But incessant rains on the entire track put this in limbo, though halting yatra for longer time is proving challenging to concerned authorities for the main reason that Navratras are inching closer and the board is expecting a considerable influx of devotees at the holy shrine, besides, at the base camp Katra.
Sachin Kumar, CEO of the Board who is personally monitoring all preparations and situation of weather has emphasized the synergy between all stakeholders during the festival. He also exhorted action on diverse fronts for a hassle-free pilgrimage during the coming days. In a goodwill gesture for the devotees awaiting the resumption of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has started the distribution of ‘prasad’ at the entry point in Katra.
He said, “Devotees are requested to stay updated through official communication channels.” The authorities among a host of new measures to ensure smooth yatra have decided to resume wireless sets throughout the track upto shrine. This will keep them updated of status of pilgrim movement among things at every stretch.
As many as 34 people, mostly pilgrims, were killed and several injured after a landslide was triggered on August 26 due to heavy rains near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari.Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, has constituted a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the August 26 landslide.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, headed a committee, comprising Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, B S Tuti, will submit a comprehensive report to LG Sinha.
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