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| Mata Vaishno Devi track to reopen only after safety audit | | |  Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 7: The suspended Yatra of the revered cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi will be resumed only after the authorities concerned conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the track to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
The Yatra has been suspended for the last 13 days following a devastating landslide that claimed the lives of 34 devotees. The tragedy, which occurred on August 26, led to the temporary closure of the route, bringing the spiritual journey to a halt and affecting thousands of pilgrims and local businesses.
According to highly placed sources, the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (MVDSB) will conduct an extensive safety audit of the track before restarting the Yatra. The audit, which is expected to include structural assessments, slope stability checks, and an evaluation of drainage systems, is aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims before allowing them to resume their trek to the holy cave temple.
The Shrine Board, in coordination with disaster management authorities, engineering experts, and local administration, has been working around the clock to assess the damage and identify high-risk areas along the route. The landslide, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, exposed vulnerabilities in the terrain and infrastructure along the mountainous pathway that leads from Katra to the shrine.
“The safety of pilgrims is our utmost concern,” said an SMVDSB official who requested anonymity. “We will leave no stone unturned in conducting a detailed inspection. The track must meet all safety standards before devotees are allowed to undertake the Yatra again.”
The audit will include examining slope reinforcements, water drainage systems to prevent further erosion, emergency response mechanisms, and communication infrastructure to ensure rapid assistance in case of unforeseen events. Authorities are also reviewing load-bearing capacity and monitoring systems to better manage crowds and minimize risks during peak seasons.
The halt in the pilgrimage has not only caused spiritual disappointment among devotees but also disrupted the livelihoods of thousands who depend on the Yatra. Local businesses, including transport operators, lodging facilities, food stalls, and souvenir vendors, have suffered significant financial losses during the shutdown.
Families of affected devotees continue to grieve the loss of loved ones, while the administration has pledged to extend compensation and support to the victims’ families. Rescue teams had worked tirelessly to evacuate stranded pilgrims and provide medical aid in the aftermath of the disaster.
With safety measures now being prioritized, the resumption of the Yatra is expected to bring relief to the affected families, the spiritual community, and the local economy alike.
The SMVDSB will soon announce the official date for the reopening of the pilgrimage once the audit report is submitted and reviewed. Meanwhile, pilgrims are being advised to stay updated through official channels and avoid traveling until the Shrine Board issues final clearance.
The landslide has also prompted authorities to consider long-term safety upgrades, including slope stabilization projects, improved weather monitoring systems, and stricter regulations on construction activities in sensitive areas. Discussions are underway to develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan that includes better evacuation procedures and enhanced communication between ground teams and central command. |
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