The pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Cave Shrine, scheduled to begin on September 14, remained suspended today for the 21st consecutive day from base camp Katra in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The commencement of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, scheduled from yesterday, stands postponed till further order,” said an official of the Shrine Board.
He said, “Devotees are requested to stay updated through official communication channels.”
As many as 34 people, mostly pilgrims, were killed and several injured after a landslide was triggered on August 26 due to heavy rains near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, has constituted a high-level three-member committee to investigate the causes of the August 26 landslide.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, headed a committee, comprising Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, B S Tuti, will submit a comprehensive report to LG Sinha.
Earlier, on September 13, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), chaired a joint meeting at Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra ahead of the start of the nine-day Navratras scheduled to begin on September 22 and to ensure seamless pilgrimage during the upcoming Navratras.
The CEO underscored that Navratras are inches closer and the Board is expecting a considerable influx of devotees at the Holy Shrine besides, at the base camp Katra, thus stressing on synergy between all stakeholders during the Navratras Festival.
He also exhorted action on diverse fronts for a hassle-free pilgrimage during the coming days.
