The harshness of the weather and continuous heavy rain took a toll on the devotees visiting Maa Vaishno Devi. On Monday morning around 8:30 am, when the devotees were continuing their journey to Maa Vaishno Devi with full devotion amidst heavy rain, a massive landslide occurred near Gulshan Langar in Banganga area. In no time, huge rocks and stones etc. fell directly on the road, damaging the tin shed, due to which 7 devotees including two local residents were injured. In this massive landslide, the main prepaid counter set up by M Tech Company to streamline the services of horse-cart and palanquin etc. was also completely damaged. It is being felt that there is a possibility of some devotees being trapped in the grip of this landslide. As soon as the information was received, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, local administration, police department, CRPF, disaster management team etc. got involved in relief and rescue work. However, the continuous heavy rain is creating obstacles in the jam.
Ban Ganga route closed for movement
At the same time, the Ban Ganga route has been closed for the movement of devotees. At present, the journey of Mother Vaishno Devi is smooth from the new Tarakot route. On the other hand, due to continuous heavy rain since last night, the important Battery Kar route of Mother Vaishno Devi was also closed at around 12:00 late night because pebbles, stones and soil etc. are continuously falling on the road at various places on this route.
At present, devotees are continuing their journey to Mother Vaishno Devi through the traditional route from the area of Ardhkwari via Tarakot route. Along with the helicopter service, the Battery Kar service is completely closed. At present, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, local administration and other agencies are constantly monitoring this dire situation. One devotee has died in this accident while 6 others are injured.
