The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended for the tenth consecutive day, as persistent heavy rainfall and landslides continue to pose a significant threat to pilgrim safety. Officials confirm that the challenging weather conditions have destabilized slopes and washed away key sections of the pilgrimage route, making restoration efforts extremely difficult.
Safety First: Why the Yatra is on Hold
According to officials, continuous downpours have triggered multiple landslides along the 12-kilometer track from the base camp in Katra to the revered shrine. This has not only blocked the pathway with debris but has also made vulnerable sections of the route highly unstable. The Shrine Board, in a firm stance on pilgrim safety, has made it clear that the pilgrimage will not resume until the entire track is thoroughly cleared and reinforced.
“Our top priority is the safety of every devotee,” an official stated. “The current conditions on the path are simply too dangerous. We are working round the clock to make it safe, but this is a complex engineering task that requires time.”
Round-the-Clock Restoration Efforts Underway
Teams from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the local administration are engaged in an intensive, round-the-clock operation. Their work includes:
- Clearing debris: Removing massive amounts of mud, rocks, and trees that have slid onto the path.
- Reinforcing vulnerable sections: Utilizing heavy machinery and engineering expertise to stabilize slopes and rebuild washed-away stretches of the track.
- Constant monitoring: Continuously assessing the weather and geological stability to ensure that restoration work is not halted and no new threats emerge.
Travel Advisory: Railways Suspend Services
In light of the ongoing suspension, authorities have issued a clear advisory to pilgrims. They have been requested to avoid traveling to the base camp in Katra and to cooperate with the temporary suspension.
Adding to the travel woes, the Indian Railways has suspended several train services between Delhi and Katra, and Katra and Jammu. This measure aims to prevent large numbers of pilgrims from getting stranded at the base camp, where lodging and resources are already strained. Travelers must check their train schedules before planning any journey towards Katra to avoid inconvenience.
When Will the Yatra Resume?
The exact date for the resumption of the pilgrimage remains uncertain. Officials have stressed that the decision will be made only after a comprehensive safety audit of the entire track. This process will take place once the weather clears and restoration teams can confirm the route’s stability.
Pilgrims who had already booked their trip are advised to keep a close eye on official announcements from the Shrine Board for real-time updates. The administration has assured the public that they will provide timely information as soon as a favorable change in conditions allows for the resumption of the sacred journey.