2,000 to perform pilgrimage daily in first week amid Covid-19 related restrictions
Jammu Tawi, August 14
Despite the rising number of Covid-19 cases in J&K, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) on Friday announced that the pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills of Reasi district would resume from August 16.
The pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine was suspended on March 18 following the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.
Shrine Board Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Kumar said, “During the first week of the resumption of pilgrimage there shall be a ceiling of 2,000 pilgrims per day, including 1,900 from within Jammu and Kashmir and the remaining 100 from outside J&K.”
“The situation will be reviewed thereafter and the decision will be taken accordingly,” said Kumar.
“The pilgrims will be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage after registration through online mode only in order to avoid any assembly at the yatra registration counters,” he added.
Children below the age of 10 years, pregnant women, persons with comorbidities and persons above the age of 60 years have been advised to avoid the pilgrimage in the interest of their own safety.
The CEO said that the yatra would move in a unidirectional manner.
The traditional route from Katra to Bhawan via Banganga, Adhkuwari and Sanjichhat will be used for going up and Himkoti-Tarakote Marg would be used for coming back from the Bhawan.
“The Covid negative test report of the pilgrims from outside J&K and also from the red zone districts of Jammu and Kashmir will be checked at the helipad and the yatra entry points at Darshani Deodi, Banganga and Katra,” the CEO said, adding that “only those with negative reports will be allowed to move towards the Bhawan”.
Ponywallahs, palanquin carriers and pithuwallahs will not be allowed to ply on the tracks, initially, Kumar informed.
Free langar (community kitchen) on Tarakote Marg and Prasad Kendra at Sanjichhat will be opened for the facility of pilgrims.
All the supplementary facilities set up by the Board, like battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopter services, will operate in strict accordance with the social distancing norms and other precautionary measures.
In order to avoid congregational gatherings, booking or sitting of pilgrims in the Atka Aarti area and Shradha Suman Vishesh Pooja would not be allowed till further orders, the CEO added.
