Heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir triggered a massive landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route in Katra early Monday morning, leaving one pilgrim dead and 10 others injured. The landslide occurred around 8 am near the Banganga area, the starting point for the yatra, where mostly pony riders gather along the old track, leaving several pilgrims trapped under the debris and others injured.
Officiating Chief Executive Officer of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sachin Kumar Vaishya said that the landslide resulted in critical injuries to three persons and minor injuries to seven others. All the injured were taken to a hospital.
Vaishya, who is also the district magistrate of Jammu, rushed to the scene and said a full-fledged rescue and debris clearance operation is underway. An earth-mover was also rushed to speed up the rescue efforts.
One dead, 10 injured
The critically injured -- Uppan (70) of Chennai, his wife K Radha (66), and Rajinder Bhalla (70) of Haryana -- were admitted to Narayan hospital, while Leela Raikwar (56) of Uttar Pradesh was undergoing treatment at the community health centre Katra, the officials said.
The officials said one of the critically injured pilgrims succumbed to injuries.
According to eyewitnesses, the shelters built along the yatra track were also heavily damaged due to the landslide. Fortunately, timely intervention by the rescue teams helped prevent a major tragedy.
This section of the path is one of the oldest and most frequently used routes for pilgrims visiting the shrine, with thousands walking through daily. Following the incident, movement along the route has been temporarily suspended.
LG Sinha expressess grief
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident, and said he is monitoring the situation. "I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslide incident at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in which a devotee unfortunately lost his life. Directed Shrine Board to provide best possible medical care and support to the injured pilgrims. I'm constantly monitoring the situation," Sinha wrote on X.
Another landslide had blocked the new track near Himkoti Sunday night and efforts are ongoing to restore it. "In response to a landslide in the general area of Katra, troops of White Knight Corps were swiftly mobilised to assist in relief and rescue operations in collaboration with civil authorities. Immediate support was provided to affected locals, showcasing Army's unwavering commitment to the people.
"Rescue and support operations are currently in progress. We serve, We Protect!" the Army's White Knight Corps said in a post on X.
(Input Rahi Kapoor)
Also Read: Amarnath Yatra resumes after rain disruption, over 2.5 lakh devotees perform darshan so far
Also Read: Jammu–Vaishno Devi Katra railway line to be doubled: Know project length, cost, and key details
