Amid the tragedy of 34 pilgrims’ deaths, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has denied negligence allegations, attributing the disaster to an unforeseen cloudburst-triggered landslide.
Katra: In the wake of the tragic deaths of 34 pilgrims and injuries to approximately 20 others on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage track, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has firmly rejected allegations of negligence. The Board characterized the incident as an “unprecedented cloudburst-triggered landslide” that could not have been anticipated.
In a comprehensive statement, the Shrine Board expressed its “deep sorrow and pain” over the loss of lives while denying claims that the pilgrimage was allowed to proceed recklessly. “The allegations are false and baseless,” the Board asserted.
According to the SMVDSB, weather conditions on the morning of August 26 were clear and suitable for the pilgrimage, with helicopter services operating normally. The Board indicated that registrations were suspended as soon as moderate rain was forecast, and by noon, movement on the old track was also halted.
The disaster occurred at 2:40 PM near Inderprastha Bhojanalaya when a sudden cloudburst triggered a significant landslide over a 50-meter stretch of the old track, which is considered one of the safest points along the route. “No such landslide has ever been recorded in this area in the past. It was an unpredictable and unforeseen act of nature,” the Board maintained, describing it as a “force majeure.”
Rescue and relief operations were promptly initiated by the Shrine Board’s Disaster Management Task Force in collaboration with the Reasi district administration, J&K Police, CRPF, Army, NDRF, SDRF, and local volunteers. Eighteen injured pilgrims were evacuated and transported to the Shrine Board’s Superspeciality Hospital at Kakryal, while stranded yatris were safely brought back to Katra by evening via the Tarakote route.
The Board also noted that the Tarakote track, which is more susceptible to landslides, had already been closed on August 24 for the safety of pilgrims. It highlighted years of slope stabilization efforts, protective structures, and shelter sheds along the route, reiterating that “every reasonable precaution was taken in view of weather forecasts,” but that the disaster was beyond human control.
Despite the Board’s explanation, criticism has continued to mount. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the current Deputy Chief Minister have raised concerns about why the yatra was allowed to proceed despite weather advisories. “This has to be seen seriously, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shrine Board, has to reply on the same,” Abdullah stated.
Adding to the scrutiny, several local residents in Katra have staged protests against the Shrine Board, accusing it of disregarding safety warnings and endangering the lives of devotees.
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