National Deswk, 2nd September: A deadly landslide struck the newly established Mata Vaishno Devi route in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Monday, resulting in the tragic death of one pilgrim and injuries to two others. The incident, triggered by falling rocks, occurred near Panchi, causing severe damage to an overhead iron structure along the pathway.
In response to the disaster, the Shri Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s disaster management team quickly mobilized to conduct rescue and relief operations. The injured individuals were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
As a safety precaution, authorities have temporarily suspended movement on the affected route. Officials have been directed to clear the debris and ensure the pathway’s safety before it is reopened to pilgrims. The administration has also issued a public advisory, urging pilgrims to exercise extreme caution and to be mindful of the route’s conditions before continuing their journey.
The Vaishno Devi Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India, has witnessed a significant increase in visitors over the years. In 2023, the temple recorded a historic high, with 9.35 million devotees visiting the sacred site, surpassing the previous peak of 9.324 million in 2013. Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, noted this milestone as the highest number of pilgrims in the last decade. Despite the recent tragedy, the unwavering faith of millions continues to draw pilgrims to this holy site.