Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Set to Resume from September 17

Quick Summary

• Location: Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine,Trikuta Hills,Jammu and Kashmir’s reasi district.
• Pilgrimage Suspension: The pilgrimage was suspended on August 26 following a major landslip that resulted in the death of 34 pilgrims and injuries to 20 others.
• Resumption Date: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) announced via X that the pilgrimage will resume on September 17, subject to favorable weather conditions.
• Reason for Delay: Earlier plans to resume on September 14 were postponed due to incessant rains.
• Protests at Base Camp: devotees staged a protest demanding resumption of the pilgrimage at Katra base camp. Some attempted to bypass security measures against board directives.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The decision by SMVDSB to resume yatra operations signifies progress in managing a tragic situation while addressing devotees’ concerns. Balancing safety with public demand is paramount, especially given the magnitude of calamity-34 lives lost and many injured-caused by natural disasters along this route. The protests highlight public anxiety toward continued postponements amidst livelihood disruptions stemming from halted services related to pilgrimage tourism, central for local vendors and transport operators.

Safety primacy during monsoon seasons appears justified in ensuring sustainability long as credibility resilience handling(“[–>read full details”](