Due to bad weather, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra remains postponed for the fourth consecutive day. There is silence in Base Camp Katra. Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is also closed due to landslides due to heavy rains. Flood like situation continues in Doda and Kishtwar also.
Vaishnodevi Yatra postponed for the fourth consecutive day
Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [भारत]July 22 (ANI): Katra, the base camp of the holy pilgrimage of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, looks deserted these days as the yatra remains postponed for the fourth consecutive day due to bad weather in the area.
The pilgrimage has been suspended as a precautionary measure amid the inclement weather, affecting the movement of devotees heading to the holy cave. The suspension of the yatra has led to a sharp decline in pilgrim movement in Katra, which is usually abuzz with devotees throughout the day. Pilgrims have been advised to remain updated with official advisories and avoid moving towards the pilgrimage routes until travel formally resumes. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is expected to resume as soon as the weather conditions improve.
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway also closed
Meanwhile, traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) has been suspended due to heavy and incessant rains, which have led to landslides and stone-falling at several places on the highway. No vehicle is allowed to move towards Ramban from Qazigund or Udhampur in Kashmir amid bad weather.
Devastation due to rain in Doda and Kishtwar
This area has been witnessing rain for the last two days. Bhalesa in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district also received heavy rains, causing rivers, streams and drains to swell and causing damage to houses, crops and agricultural land. Amid flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides, the administration of Doda and Kishtwar have urged people to avoid high altitude, landslide-prone and riverside areas until the weather conditions improve.
Fog and cold in Ramban
Meanwhile, dense fog has covered the Ramban mountains following heavy rains across the region, causing a drop in the temperature. Incessant rains have turned the surrounding hills into mist-covered landscapes, while low-lying clouds and dense fog have reduced visibility in many areas.
All gates of Salala Reservoir opened
Incessant rains in Reasi and upper catchment areas have increased the water flow in Salal reservoir, forcing the authorities to open all the gates of the dam to control the rising water level. (ANI)
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