Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has resumed after being suspended for six consecutive days due to bad weather. The authorities have declared the track safe for pilgrims after reviewing the weather conditions.
Vaishno Devi Yatra started again after 6 days
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra resumed on Saturday after being suspended for six consecutive days due to security concerns arising from bad weather and heavy rains. The pilgrimage was resumed after authorities reviewed the weather conditions and declared the track safe for pilgrims.
Pilgrims have been advised to follow the instructions of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and security agencies, follow safety advisories and stay updated on the weather conditions during their journey. The authorities are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. The suspension was imposed as a precautionary measure following persistent rains, landslides and the threat of flash floods on the route.
Earlier, there was silence in Katra, the base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The pilgrimage was suspended as a precaution amid bad weather. This resulted in a significant reduction in pilgrim movement in Katra, which is otherwise bustling with devotees throughout the day.
Rain havoc: Jammu-Srinagar highway closed, damage in many areas
Meanwhile, traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44) was also suspended due to heavy and incessant rains, which led to landslides and stone-falling at several places on the highway. No vehicle was allowed to move towards Ramban from Qazigund or Udhampur in Kashmir amid bad weather conditions.
Heavy rains also wreaked havoc in Bhalesa in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, causing overflowing rivers, streams and canals and damaging houses, crops and agricultural land. Amid flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides, the administrations of Doda and Kishtwar have urged people to avoid high altitude, landslide-prone and riverside areas until the weather conditions improve.
Meanwhile, incessant rains have turned the surrounding hills into mist-covered sights, while low-hanging clouds and dense fog have reduced visibility in many areas. Incessant rains in Reasi and upper catchment areas increased the water flow into Salal reservoir, forcing the authorities to open all the gates of the dam to control the rising water level.
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