Six injured in landslide on old Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Jammu and Kashmir
At least six pilgrims were injured on Monday morning when a landslide struck the old track leading to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi.
The incident occurred around 8.50 am near Gulshan Ka Langar, close to Banganga—the starting point of the pilgrimage route often used by pony riders.
According to information, the landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall in the Katra area, which serves as the base camp for pilgrims heading to the cave shrine.
After the landslide, personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police launched a swift rescue operation. All six pilgrims who were trapped under the debris were rescued and shifted to a nearby hospital.
Dr Rashpaul Bansotra, Block Medical Officer at Katra Hospital, confirmed that six injured pilgrims were brought in for treatment and are currently in stable condition.
Efforts are ongoing to clear the debris and ensure the safety of other devotees in the area. Authorities have urged pilgrims to exercise caution and avoid using the affected old track until further notice.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, nestled in the Trikuta Hills at an altitude of around 5,200 feet, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi, the shrine draws millions of devotees annually from across the country and abroad.
The journey to the shrine traditionally begins at Katra and involves a trek of approximately 12 kilometres.
While a new track has been developed with modern facilities to ease the climb, the old track, particularly favoured by pony riders, remains in use and continues to witness significant pilgrim footfall.
Incidents of landslides and falling stones are not uncommon during the monsoon season due to the hilly terrain and intense rainfall. Authorities routinely issue advisories to ensure the safety of pilgrims, especially during adverse weather conditions.
India