JAMMU : Devastating fire continued for the third consecutive day today and has shifted to the new track forcing authorities to suspend the battery car service and closing the new track for the devotees performing pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine situated in Trikuta Hills of Reasi district.
“The fire broke out on May 17 in the forest area but last night it spread to new track following which, the track was closed and battery car service suspended,” a senior police official here said.
He said that pilgrimage is running smooth from the old track, adding, “IAF helicopters are on job and since morning, six sorties have sprinkled water in the fire hit area to douse the flames,” he added.
He further said that the water is being carried from nearby reservoir of Salal Dam in Reasi.
He said that yesterday also authorities managed to bring under control the devastating fire with the help of over 200 men including firemen, police, CRPF men and staff of the Shrine Board.
The chopper service from Katra to Vaishno Devi shrine was suspended on May 17 in view of fire while the Heli companies Himalaya and Global Vectra shifted the choppers as a precautionary measure from Katra base camp to Mata Vaishno Devi University.
Forest fires are often triggered by carelessness of trekkers and by those who venture into forests to collect firewood, he asserted. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
