J&K LG orders inquiry into Vaishno Devi landslide, forms three-member panel

The Yatra remains suspended for the fourth straight day due to heavy rains lashing Katra and Trikuta Hills

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Friday, ordered a high-level probe into the recent landslide tragedy along the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage track in Reasi district that left 34 pilgrims dead and 20 others injured.

A three-member committee, headed by the Jal Shakti Department Additional Chief Secretary, will examine the causes of the incident near Adhkuwari on August 26, assess the rescue and relief response, identify lapses, and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police BS Tuti are the other members.

The panel has been asked to submit its report within two weeks to Sinha, who also chairs the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).

The tragedy has triggered widespread anger in Katra, the pilgrimage base camp.

Shops remained shut on Thursday as locals staged a protest march against the Shrine Board, accusing it of “over-commercialising” the holy site and ignoring weather warnings.

Former J&K minister Jugal Kishore Sharma alleged that the track was developed “in a highly unplanned manner,” while VHP leader Karan Singh urged the Board not to compromise the sanctity of the shrine.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also questioned why pilgrims were allowed to be on the track despite warnings of heavy rain. “Why were they not stopped? Why were they not moved to safety?” he asked.

The Shrine Board, however, strongly denied allegations of negligence on Friday.

In a detailed statement, it stated that the Yatra had been suspended at noon on August 26, hours before the cloudburst that triggered the landslide. The board further noted that weather conditions had been clear in the morning, and even helicopter services were operating normally.

It added that its Disaster Management Task Force, deployed across the track, immediately coordinated rescue operations with the district administration, J&K Police, CRPF, Army, and NDRF.

Eighteen injured pilgrims were shifted to the Shrine Board’s superspecialty hospital at Kakryal, while others stranded were evacuated to Katra by evening.

The Board stressed that the cloudburst was “beyond human anticipation or control” and reiterated that pilgrim safety remained its foremost priority.

Meanwhile, the Yatra remains suspended for the fourth straight day due to heavy rains lashing Katra and Trikuta Hills. As per authorities, restoration work on the damaged track has been completed, but the suspension will continue until the weather stabilises.

The tragedy has also brought out acts of solidarity.

The Katra Hotel Association has announced free accommodation for stranded pilgrims, while residents held a candle march in memory of the victims. Families of those undergoing treatment at Narayana Hospital have also been provided lodging at the facility.

“This painful incident should never be repeated. Authorities must ensure safety for all future yatris,” said Santosh Singh, a pilgrim from Punjab, who had to return without darshan.