Jammu, Jul 21 (KNO): A 70-year-old pilgrim was killed while nine others were injured when a massive landslide struck the old track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district on Monday, officials said.
Officials informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the incident, triggered by heavy rainfall in Katra town, occurred around 8:30 am near ‘Gulshan Ka Langar’, close to Banganga, the starting point of the pilgrimage route frequented by pony riders and devotees.
The landslide caused significant damage, with a booking office and an overhead iron structure collapsing under the weight of falling debris.
According to the meteorological department, Katra town recorded 184.2 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM on Monday, contributing to the disaster.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDB) has suspended the yatra on the old track until further notice, advising pilgrims to use the safer Tarakote Marg route, which was restored by 2:00 PM after a temporary suspension.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, expressed profound grief over the tragedy.
In an official statement, he said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslide incident at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in which a devotee unfortunately lost his life. He directed Shrine Board to provide best possible medical care and support to the injured pilgrims.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the family of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
Officiating Chief Executive Officer of the SMVDB, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, who also serves as the District Magistrate of Jammu, rushed to the site to oversee rescue operations.
Speaking to media, Vaishya said, “The landslide resulted in critical injuries to three persons and minor injuries to seven others. All the injured were promptly taken to hospitals for treatment.”
He confirmed that a full-fledged rescue and debris clearance operation is underway, with earth-movers deployed to expedite efforts.
The critically injured pilgrims, identified as Uppan Srivastava (70) of Chennai, his wife K Radha (66), and Rajinder Bhalla (70) of Haryana -- were admitted to Narayan hospital, where Srivastava breathed his last.
Leela Raikwar (56) from Uttar Pradesh is receiving treatment at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Katra.
Three others, Suresh Kumar (66) from Maharashtra and locals Nikhil Thakur (26) and Vicky Sharma, were discharged after receiving first aid.
Tragically, one of the critically injured pilgrims succumbed to their injuries.
Moreover, Indian Army’s White Knight Corps swiftly mobilised to assist in relief and rescue operations.
In a statement posted on X, the White Knight Corps said, “In response to a landslide in the general area of Katra, troops of White Knight Corps were swiftly mobilised to assist in relief and rescue operations in collaboration with civil authorities. Immediate support was provided to affected locals, showcasing Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to the people. Rescue and support operations currently in progress. We serve, We Protect!”
BJP MLA from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency, Baldev Raj Sharma said, "This isn’t an accident. Like many states are currently facing a flood situation, this is also a part of that… If this shed had not been there, the accident could have been bigger… Currently, only 1-2 injured people are in serious condition. The shrine board opened the other path for the journey.”
Katra Block Medical Officer (BMO) Rashpal Bangotra provided an update on the medical response, stating, “Around 8:20 AM, we received information about the landslide, and within 15 minutes, six injured devotees reached us. Four with orthopaedic injuries were shifted to Narayana Hospital for advanced treatment.”—(KNO)