Vaishno Devi Yatra is suspended since July 19 due to heavy rain and landslides
MATA VAISHNO DEVI: Trekking all the heights, because nowhere else to go!
The Shrine Board has made arrangements for free community kitchens (langar), medical support and shelter in Katra for stranded passengers.
KATRA (Jammu), Jul 25: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is currently suspended
due to heavy rain and landslides in Katra and the Trikuta Hills.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy rainfall, flash flood
and track landslides.
The yatra was halted on July 19 as a safety precaution and is yet to resume,
depending on the weather.
The Shrine Board has made arrangements for free community kitchens (langar),
medical support and shelter in Katra for stranded passengers.
No pilgrims are allowed to proceed from the Katra base camp toward the Bhawan.
Both the main route and the Himkoti battery car track are closed due to safety
concerns and slippery paths.
It remains closed for for the sixth consecutive day on Friday.
While pilgrim movement is blocked, the main shrine remains open exclusively
for the native priests to conduct scheduled daily rituals and prayers.
The Board will clear the tracks and officially reopen the Yatra only after
the weather clears up and the 12-km path is certified safe,it is said.
