Vaishno Devi shrine
In a heartbreaking incident, two women pilgrims lost their lives, and another was injured when a landslide occurred on the Himkoti track leading to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Trikuta Hills, Katra, on Monday. The landslide, which took place at 2:35 PM near Panchi, about 3 kilometers from Bhawan, resulted from the dislodging of rocks and debris due to ongoing rainfall over the past few days.
The landslide caused significant damage to an overhead iron structure on the new Himkoti track, leading to the temporary closure of the path and the suspension of helicopter services in the area. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s disaster management teams quickly responded, rushing to the scene to conduct rescue and relief operations.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, confirmed the tragic news. “The yatra has been disrupted on the Himkoti track owing to the landslide caused by shooting stones in the wake of rainfall over the past few days. Disaster management teams of the board are at the spot for rescue and relief. The yatra, however, continues uninterrupted on the old Sanjhichatt track,” he stated.
The two deceased women pilgrims died instantly due to the impact of the landslide, while another sustained injuries and was promptly attended to by rescue teams. The authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of all pilgrims and to restore normalcy to the affected area.
This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise in mountainous regions, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is a significant pilgrimage site, attracting millions of devotees each year, and the safety of pilgrims is always a priority for the Shrine Board.
The board is urging pilgrims to exercise caution and follow the guidance of authorities while undertaking the yatra. Meanwhile, the old Sanjhichatt track remains open and operational for those continuing their pilgrimage.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.
