Katra, Sep 2: Two women pilgrims died, while a girl sustained severe injuries following a landslide that occurred on the new track leading to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district on Monday.
According to reports, the landslide hit the new track near Panchi, three kilometers ahead of Bhawan around 2.35 pm. In the incident, a portion of an overhead iron structure was also damaged.
The reports further said the victims were heading to the Vaishno Devi shrine when the landslide happened resulting in the collapse of the overhead iron structure, in which they got trapped. The injured were evacuated to hospital.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board CEO said the disaster management team of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has reached the spot.
Deputy Commissioner of Reasi Vishesh Paul Mahajan confirmed the two deaths quoting the preliminary information report. Mahajan said two women have died and a girl has been grievously injured in the incident.
The Deputy Commissioner said that senior police and civil administration officers have rushed to the spot, and further details are awaited.
Mahajan added that he is himself heading to Katra — the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine atop Trikuta hills.
A rescue operation was launched immediately after the landslide and movement of pilgrims on the track was suspended, officials added.
The administration and the Shrine Board have appealed to the pilgrims to practice caution during the yatra and proceed while considering the condition of the route.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the loss of lives of the pilgrims due to the unfortunate incident of shooting stones on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine track.
The Lt Governor has also approved an ex-gratia of Rs.5 lakh to be given to each of the next of kin of the deceased and other assistance, as provided in the rule, to the affected families.
In a condolence message, the Lt Governor said: “Extremely pained to learn about the loss of precious lives of pilgrims due to the unfortunate incident of shooting stones on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine track, today. My deepest condolences to bereaved families in this hour of grief. Praying for the early recovery of the injured. I have directed the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the District Administration Reasi to provide all necessary assistance, as provided in the rule, to the affected families and ensure the best care for the injured”.
Vaishno Devi shrine witnesses millions of devotees every year. In 2023 a record number of devotees visited the temple, with 9.35 million visiting the shrine. The previous record was of 9.324 million visitors in 2013.
On New Year’s Day in 2022, a stampede at the shrine left 12 pilgrims dead and 16 injured.
