The revered pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district continues to be on hold for the 11th straight day on Friday, as authorities prioritize safety in the aftermath of a devastating landslide. This prolonged suspension, triggered by the tragic event on August 26, marks the longest disruption to the yatra since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving thousands of devotees disappointed and local economies strained.
Despite a notable improvement in weather conditions—with clear skies and bright sunshine replacing days of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides—officials have yet to greenlight the resumption, emphasizing a cautious approach to ensure the well-being of pilgrims. The shrine, perched in the Trikuta hills and attracting millions annually, remains inaccessible, underscoring the vulnerabilities of such high-altitude religious sites to natural calamities exacerbated by monsoon patterns.
The suspension stems from a massive landslide at Adhkuwari in the Katra belt, which claimed 34 lives and injured 20 others, many of whom were pilgrims en route to the shrine. The disaster struck amid relentless downpours, causing widespread damage to the pilgrimage track, including pathways, resting points, and commercial structures in the base camp town of Katra. An official from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board stated, "Yatra is still suspended. This is due to the decision taken by authorities last week, keeping in view the safety of pilgrims." They added that any decision to restart would only follow a comprehensive assessment of all factors, including structural integrity and weather stability. Restoration efforts are underway, with teams working to clear debris, repair damaged sections, and reinforce vulnerable areas to prevent future incidents. This meticulous process reflects lessons from past events, where hasty resumptions have led to additional risks.
The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine holds immense spiritual significance, drawing over 10 million visitors each year who undertake the arduous 12-kilometer trek from Katra to seek blessings from the goddess. Devotees often travel from across India and abroad, making the yatra a vital part of religious tourism in the region. The current halt has not only disrupted these spiritual journeys but also impacted ancillary services, such as helicopter rides, pony services, and local hospitality. In a related development, local train services between Jammu and Katra—introduced to aid the movement of residents and stranded passengers—remain suspended, further complicating logistics for those affected. This has left many pilgrims, who had booked accommodations and travel in advance, in limbo, with some opting to return home while others await updates.
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The extended suspension highlights broader challenges in managing disaster-prone pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas, where climate change and deforestation contribute to increased landslide risks. Authorities have ramped up monitoring with advanced weather forecasting and early warning systems, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable infrastructure development. Local businesses in Katra, heavily reliant on pilgrim footfall, are facing economic losses estimated in crores, prompting calls for government support through relief packages or alternative tourism promotions.
As assessments continue, officials remain optimistic about a potential resumption soon, provided conditions remain favorable. Pilgrims are advised to check official channels for updates, emphasizing that safety must precede devotion in such precarious terrains. This episode reinforces the delicate balance between faith, nature, and human preparedness in one of India's most iconic spiritual destinations.
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