Landslide on Vaishno Devi shrine track leaves two women dead, another injured
Women from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh were hit by landslide near Panchi, 3km ahead of Bhawan, on new Himkoti track, which was briefly closed; helicopter services temporarily suspended amid rain in Katra.
At least two women pilgrims died and another injured after they were hit by a landslide on Himkoti track of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Trikuta Hills of Katra in Reasi district on Monday, said officials.
“A landslide occurred on the new Himkoti track to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine due to heavy rains in Katra over the last two days. The track was briefly closed, and helicopter services were suspended,” said officials.
Chief executive officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine board, Anshul Garg said, “Yatra was disrupted on the Himkoti track owing to landslide caused by shooting stones in the wake of rainfall over the past few days”.
“Disaster management teams of the board are on the spot for rescue and relief measures. Yatra, however, continues uninterrupted on the old Sanjhichatt track,” he added.
The CEO informed that two women pilgrims died, and another pilgrim was injured in the incident.
The two women, who died, hailed from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
They were identified as Sapna, wife of Sudarshan of Dhianpur in Gurdaspur, and Neha, wife of Amit Kumar of Kanpur.
The seriously injured, a minor girl, is being treated at a hospital in Katra.
The incident took place around 2:40 pm when a big bounder fell on the track due to a landslide.
The incident took place near the Purani Panchi Colony area on the pilgrimage route. The landslide caused a shed built on the track to collapse, completely blocking the path.
The administration has also initiated an investigation into the matter.
LG expresses grief, announces ₹5 lakh ex-gratia
Lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha has expressed grief over the loss of lives of the pilgrims due to the unfortunate incident of shooting stones on Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine track.
Sinha has also approved ex-gratia of ₹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, Sinha 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 rule, to the affected families and ensure best care for the injured”.