JAMMU, Sept 14: The pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine, scheduled to resume after a 19-day gap, remained suspended today due to inclement weather.
“Due to incessant rain at Bhawan and the track, commencement of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra scheduled to begin from today stands postponed till further order,” said an official of Shrine Board.
He said, “Devotees are requested to stay updated through official communication channels.”
At least 34 people, mostly pilgrims, lost their lives and several others were injured in a landslide triggered by heavy rains near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari on August 26.
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 J&K Department of Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra headed the committee, comprising Jammu Divisional Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, B S Tuti will submit a comprehensive report to LG Sinha.
Earlier, on September 13, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), chaired a joint meeting at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra ahead the start of nine-day Navratras scheduled to begin from September 22 and to ensure seamless pilgrimage during the upcoming Navratras.
The CEO highlighted that Navratri celebrations are just around the corner and the Board anticipates a significant influx of devotees at the Holy Shrine and the base camp in Katra, thus stressed on synergy between all stakeholders during the Navratras Festival. He also exhorted action on diverse fronts for hassle-free pilgrimage during the coming days. (UNI)
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