Wireless sets to be reintroduced for communication along Yatra route
Jammu Tawi, Sept 13 : The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, which was scheduled to restart on Sunday after remaining suspended for 19 days, has been postponed again till further orders amid incessant rains, the shrine board said on Saturday.
The pilgrimage was suspended on August 26, hours before a major landslide hit the route leading to the shrine that resulted in the death of 34 pilgrims and injuries to 20 others.
In a post in C, the Shrine board said, “Due to incessant rain at Bhawan and the track, commencement of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra scheduled from September 14 stands postponed till further order. Devotees are requested to stay updated through official communication channels.”
It had, a couple of days ago, decided to resume the pilgrimage from Sunday, but the inclement weather once again played spoilsport.
The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) will reintroduce wireless sets to strengthen the communication network along the track leading to the revered shrine, set to reopen on Sunday after a 19-day closure due to a landslide last month, officials said.
This decision was made during a joint meeting chaired by Sachin Kumar Vaishya, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SMVDSB, to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience during the upcoming Shardiya Navratras, scheduled from September 22 to October 1.
The meeting included senior officials from the shrine board, police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), civil administration, and representatives from the Army, fire and emergency services, and other allied agencies.
“Navratras are inching closer and the board is expecting a considerable influx of devotees at the holy shrine, besides, at the base camp Katra,” the CEO said, emphasising the synergy between all stakeholders during the festival.
Vaishya highlighted the need for action across various fronts to facilitate a hassle-free pilgrimage in the coming days.
Additionally, Vaishya directed the installation of extra signage along the route, regular public announcements, and joint patrol monitoring to manage crowds effectively and designate holding areas.
The yatra was suspended on August 26 following a landslide that resulted in the deaths of 34 devotees and injuries to 20 others.
