Vaishno Devi Yatra Gets Suspended Due To Bad Weather Conditions

Helicopter services will also remain suspended

On Wednesday evening, the Shrine board authorities have decided to suspend the Vaishno Devi Yatra due to inclement weather.  The Vaishno Devi Temple is situated in Trikha Hills of Katra in the Resai district of Jammu and Kashmir. This famous worldwide pilgrimage carries several Crowds.

According to the statement given by shrine board official mentions that "Due to continuous rains from Tuesday, the pilgrimage to the cave shrine was suspended this evening at 7 pm from Katra base camp." Adding more, till late Wednesday evening time around 19,00/ pilgrims had left the base camp for Bhawan, due to landslide triggered because of rains, the yatra was diverted from the new track towards the traditional route.

This holy shrine is situated at an altitude of 5,200ft and attracts millions of devotees every year.  On January 1, 2022, at least 12 people lost their lives and around 15 were injured during a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. The Incident took place due to the incessant rush of devotees at the start of the New Year.

According to the information, the helicopter service, battery car service is also suspended due to shooting stones and landslides in the new route.

According to an official, it said, the weather also forced the suspension in yatras in the evening, even as 18,000 pilgrims visited. The authorities stopped the pilgrimage to the holy shrine as a landslide struck the new track at panchi late in the afternoon amid heavy rains, it prompted the authorities to stop other services like battery cars.

The meteorological department issued an advisory stating moderately to heavy rain or snow is likely to take place till January 8.