Jammu, Sep 09 (KNO): The pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) remained suspended for the 14th consecutive day on Monday following adverse weather conditions and multiple landslides in the region since August 26.
Authorities told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the persistent rainfall has triggered landslides, blocking tracks leading to the shrine and making movement unsafe for pilgrims.
The connectivity has been further disrupted as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains blocked at several points due to landslides and road damage.
Restoration work is underway on priority to clear debris and secure the routes. However, the officials clarified that the yatra will only resume once weather conditions improve and the tracks are declared safe.
The prolonged suspension has disappointed devotees and caused hardship to local businesses dependent on the pilgrimage. The administration has appealed to pilgrims to remain patient and avoid unnecessary travel towards the shrine until further notice.
The yatra was suspended after a massive landslide on August 26 resulted in casualties of over 30 pilgrims. The disaster struck around 3 PM near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, about halfway along the 12-kilometre trek from Katra to the shrine.
Following the tragedy, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the formation of a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the landslide.
The panel is headed by Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Jal Shakti, and also includes the Divisional Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police, Jammu—(KNO)