Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 6: Yatra to Mata Vaishnodevi cave shrine has been suspended for third consecutive day today in view of heavy rains as authorities said the pilgrimage would be resumed only after the weather improves.
“Yatra to cave shrine remained suspended for third day today in view of heavy rains and bad weather conditions”, Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVSB) CEO Dr Mandeep K Bhandari said.
Keeping in view the safety of pilgrims in the wake of incessant torrential rainfall and also considering the weather forecast, yatra to the Shrine from Katra-the base camp, has been temporarily suspended till further notice, he said.
The Yatra was temporarily suspended from 4.00 PM onwards on September 4 in view of heavy rains.
“Yatra to the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji from Katra onwards continues to remain under suspension today also keeping in view the safety of pilgrims in the wake of continuing rains and the closure of the track due to landslides at some places”, he said.
Dr Bhandari said that the decision about resumption of the Yatra will be taken only after the weather improves and, as such, advised the intending pilgrims to replan their schedule for undertaking the pilgrimage accordingly.
Dr. Bhandari said there is no possibility of resumption of Yatra on September 7, as well.
He said that a very close watch is being kept on the obtaining weather situation and any decision about the resumption of the pilgrimage will be taken only after the weather improves. He reiterated his advice to the intending pilgrims to plan their visit to the pilgrimage after the resumption of the Yatra.
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