Early Times Report
JAMMU, Dec 23: Every single day, around 10 to 15 thousand pilgrims visit the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu. But with Jammu and Kashmir in the grip of a cold wave, the number of pilgrims going for the yatra has dropped by 50 per cent. "Mumbai never gets so cold, but after coming here we feel we will freeze," said Rashmi Dubey, a devotee who came all the way from Mumbai but wasn't quite prepared for the cold. Even though thousands visit Vaishno Devi every day, most of them say they are not fully informed about the harsh weather conditions. Bad weather has also affected the supply of essential services. The Vaishno Devi management board warns pilgrims should come prepared for ice-cold conditions. Special arrangements have made for the pilgrims along the yatra route to deal with harsh weather. "Shrine board has made arrangements for pilgrims. Bonfires have been set up at 50 places along the yatra route, we have installed heat pillars in the buildings. We have also opened up many halls for temporary accommodation of the pilgrims," said Ajit Sahu, CEO Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. |
