Jammu, June 24: Pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine faced disruptions on Tuesday as the new track remained closed due to a landslide near Hemkoti, while chopper services were suspended for the sixth consecutive day due to dense fog, officials said.
Triggered by heavy rainfall on Monday, the landslide and accompanying mudslide blocked the new route, forcing authorities to halt pilgrim movement on that path. “Men and machinery are on the job to clear the debris,” officials stated. Battery car services on the new track have also been affected.
Despite these challenges, the pilgrimage is continuing smoothly via the old traditional route, officials confirmed.
Meanwhile, helicopter services from Katra to Sanjhi Chhat remain grounded due to persistent poor visibility, with resumption dependent on weather improvement.
The Vaishno Devi Yatra, which had been impacted earlier due to border tensions during Operation Sindoor, has seen better footfall in June. (Agencies)
