Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Aug 29: The J&K Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the landslide incident that occurred on August 26, near Adhkuwari on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji track in Reasi District .
As per the government order, the committee will be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Department of Jal Shakti, J&K.
The other members include the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, and the Inspector General of Police, Jammu.
The committee has been tasked with examining the causes and reasons behind the incident and identifying any lapses. It will also assess the rescue and relief measures undertaken in response to the incident.
Furthermore, the committee will suggest standard operating procedures and other measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
The committee is expected to submit its report within two weeks to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir who is also the chairman, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
At least 41 people, most of them Vaishno Devi pilgrims, lost their lives in Jammu’s Reasi and Doda districts between last Tuesday and Wednesday, as the heaviest-ever rainfall recorded in the Jammu region left a trail of death and devastation.
A government spokesperson has refuted media reports alleging that the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra continued in disregard of weather advisories, compromising pilgrim safety.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives due to the natural disaster on 26th August, clarifying the facts to counter misleading claims.
The Board stated that weather conditions remained clear and favorable for pilgrimage until around 10:00 AM, with even helicopter services operating normally.
In accordance with standard procedures, enforcement staff and the Disaster Management Task Force were deployed along the track. Upon receiving forecasts of moderate rain, pilgrim registrations were promptly suspended.
The Board said that the sudden cloudburst was unforeseeable and beyond human control.
The Board assured that it acted strictly in line with official weather advisories. Support is being extended to the bereaved families, and medical care is being provided to the injured.
Meanwhile, Vaishno Devi Yatra remained suspended for fourth consecutive day on Friday following tragic landslide, which claimed over 30 lives.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), as per KNO, announced that the pilgrimage to the revered Vaishno Devi Shrine in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir will remain suspended for the fourth consecutive day due to persistent heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.
Heavy rainfall has continued to lash Katra and the Trikuta Hills, rendering the pilgrimage route unsafe. While rescue operations are nearly complete and debris clearance efforts have been finalized, the SMVDSB has decided to extend the suspension until weather conditions stabilize, emphasizing the safety of devotees.
The Katra Hotel Association has stepped forward to support stranded pilgrims, offering free accommodation in hotels across the town.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Pilgrims stranded due to the suspension can avail free accommodation in Katra,” said Rakesh Wazir, president of the Katra Hotel Association.
Families of those receiving treatment at Narayana Hospital have also been provided lodging at the facility.
Financial assistance of Rs 9 lakh per deceased pilgrim has been announced by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, with additional aid of Rs 4 lakh from the J&K Disaster Department and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Fund.
Pilgrims are advised to refrain from traveling to Katra until the Yatra resumes and to follow official updates from the SMVDSB.
