KKN Gurugram Desk | Heavy rainfall on Monday afternoon caused a landslide near Himkoti on the pilgrimage route to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, leading to the suspension of services such as battery car, helicopter rides, and cable car services. However, the traditional route remained open for devotees, who continued their journey by foot or other means. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has been working diligently to clear the affected route, ensuring that pilgrims can safely continue their pilgrimage.

Landslide and Weather Conditions Impact Travel

The incident occurred around 12:00 PM when heavy rain caused a significant landslide in the Himkoti area, followed by the accumulation of rocks, mud, and debris on the route. The debris made it difficult for the battery car service to continue, leading to its suspension. Despite these challenges, the traditional footpath route remained accessible for pilgrims. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board personnel, along with disaster management teams, are working tirelessly to clear the debris and ensure the smooth passage of devotees.

The rainfall, which lasted for around two and a half hours, disrupted not only the battery car service but also led to the suspension of the helicopter services for the fifth consecutive day. In addition, the cable car service between Vaishno Devi Bhawan and Bhairav Ghati was also halted due to safety concerns.

Pilgrims Continue Their Journey on Foot or Other Means

Despite the ongoing disruptions and adverse weather conditions, devotees have shown great resilience. Many pilgrims continued their journey on foot, while others opted for ponies, pitthus, or palkis (palanquins) to reach the shrine. The Shrine Board has issued guidelines urging pilgrims to be cautious and avoid stopping in areas prone to landslides, ensuring their safety during the journey. Officials from the Shrine Board, police, and CRPF are stationed throughout the route, monitoring the situation and providing assistance as needed.

Efforts to Restore Normalcy

Officials from the Shrine Board have assured that work is underway to repair the battery car route and other affected services. The team is working in full force to clear the landslide debris and restore the battery car service as soon as possible. The helicopter and cable car services are expected to resume once the weather conditions improve and it is safe to operate them. The Shrine Board is coordinating with local authorities to provide continuous support to ensure that pilgrims can complete their journey safely.

Pilgrim Numbers Continue to Grow

Despite the disruptions caused by the landslide and weather conditions, the number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi remains high. On June 22, a total of 34,717 pilgrims made the journey to the shrine. As of 4:00 PM on Monday, 18,800 pilgrims had registered and begun their trek toward the Vaishno Devi Bhawan. Pilgrims continued to arrive in significant numbers, and the Shrine Board has prepared for a steady flow of devotees.

Safety Measures and Disaster Management

Given the adverse weather conditions, the Shrine Board has deployed a comprehensive disaster management team to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Police officers, CRPF personnel, and other officials are stationed at key points along the route to provide support in case of any emergencies. Pilgrims are being advised to exercise extreme caution, especially in the landslide-prone areas, and to avoid lingering in vulnerable spots. The Shrine Board is also providing real-time updates to help guide pilgrims and ensure their safety.

Continued Devotion Despite Challenges

Even with the ongoing challenges, pilgrims have remained determined to complete their journey to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Many continue to sing the praises of Maa Vaishno, chanting prayers and mantras as they walk along the rugged paths. The spirit of devotion and faith among the pilgrims is unwavering, as they brave the weather conditions to seek blessings from the goddess.

Despite the difficulties faced by the pilgrims, the dedication and enthusiasm of the devotees serve as a reminder of the spiritual significance of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. The shrine remains one of the most visited religious destinations in India, and this resilience in the face of adversity highlights the deep connection pilgrims share with the sacred site.

The landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi route due to heavy rainfall on June 23 has certainly posed challenges for the ongoing pilgrimage. However, the Shrine Board and disaster management teams are working tirelessly to restore services and ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The traditional footpath route continues to remain open, allowing devotees to continue their journey with caution.

The efforts of the Shrine Board, along with the dedication of police, CRPF, and other personnel, ensure that the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra can continue despite the hurdles posed by the weather. Pilgrims have shown immense faith and resilience, continuing their journey on foot or with the help of ponies and palanquins.

As the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board works to restore normalcy and improve safety measures along the route, pilgrims are urged to stay updated on the weather conditions and travel with caution. With the cooperation of the authorities and the spirit of devotion among the pilgrims, the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra will continue to be a beacon of faith, perseverance, and devotion.