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Heavy rains in Trikuta mountains triggered landslides, forcing suspension of Vaishno Devi Yatra since August 26 after a massive slide near Ardhkumwari killed 34 people
While some pilgrims have extended their stay in hopes of resumption, others have had to return home disappointed. (PTI/File)
Millions of devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi are eagerly anticipating the upcoming Navratri festival. Each year, hundreds of thousands of devotees participate in this revered celebration of Mata Rani, with bookings starting one or two months in advance. With just two weeks remaining before Navratri, a significant order has been issued by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board concerning the pilgrimage.
The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been suspended for the 12th consecutive day as of Saturday, September 6, 2025.
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Continuous heavy rains in the Trikuta mountain area have caused landslides, rendering the pilgrimage route unsafe for devotees. The Yatra was initially postponed on August 26 following a massive landslide in the Indraprastha Bhojalay area near Ardhkumwari. This tragic event resulted in the deaths of 34 people and left many others injured. The landslide occurred around 3 pm when large amounts of debris and rocks fell from the mountain.
Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has not issued any special warnings for the district until September 7. However, a yellow alert has been issued for September 8 and 9, predicting the possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. The Yatra route remains eerily silent as a result.
Enquiry Committee Constituted
In response to the accident, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the formation of a high-level three-member investigation committee. This committee is chaired by Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Jal Shakti Department, and includes the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu and the Inspector General of Police. The committee has been tasked with submitting its report to the Lieutenant Governor within two weeks. It will investigate the causes of the accident, assess the relief and rescue operations, and establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to prevent future incidents.
Travel Still Restricted
Thousands of pilgrims are stranded in Katra and the surrounding areas due to the prolonged suspension of the Yatra. While some pilgrims have extended their stay in hopes of resumption, others have had to return home disappointed. Local businesses are also suffering significant losses, as a large portion of their income relies on the influx of pilgrims.
Connectivity Restored By Army
In a related incident, natural disasters have also caused devastation in the Doda district of the Jammu division. A cloudburst and sudden floods in Baja village of the Bhaderwah area have heavily damaged many roads, isolating villages like Butla, Baja, Shrekhi, and Katiyara from the main town.
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the 4 Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Army commenced relief operations, constructing a temporary wooden bridge within 18 hours to reconnect the affected villages. This effort has brought much-needed relief to the local population, allowing essential supplies to be restored.
Reasi, India, India
September 06, 2025, 15:57 IST
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