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6h ago

Katra Bandh Follows Vaishno Devi Landslide as Shrine Board Cites Unforeseeable Cloudburst

Officials say movement stopped by noon after forecasts worsened.

Health workers carry the body of a pilgrim who died in a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, being shifted to the Government Medical Hospital, in Jammu on Thursday. (ANI)
People hold a protest against the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board following the death of pilgrims due to landslide and heavy rainfall, at Katra, in Reasi, on Thursday. (PTI)
Family and relatives await the arrival of the deceased at their residence in Agra (HT )
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Overview

  • Katra observed a shutdown with protests accusing the Shrine Board of negligence after the August 26 disaster that left 34 pilgrims dead near Ardhkuwari.
  • The Shrine Board says a sudden 2:40 pm cloudburst triggered a 50‑metre landslide near Inderprastha Bhojanalaya on the old track, calling it a force majeure event.
  • According to the Board, registrations were halted and the old route was suspended by noon, while the newer Tarakote track had already been closed on August 24.
  • Rescue operations involved the Board’s Disaster Management Task Force, district authorities, police, CRPF, the Army, NDRF and SDRF, with 18 injured evacuated to the Shrine Board’s hospital in Kakryal.
  • Political leaders including Omar Abdullah questioned the decisions taken that day, local activists alleged dumped construction material contributed to the slide, and some families reported missing jewellery from victims.