Jammu, Aug 29: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has denied allegations that it ignored weather advisories and risked pilgrim safety before the August 26 cloudburst-triggered landslide near Adhkuwari that killed 34 pilgrims and injured 18.
In a statement, the Board clarified that the yatra was suspended by 12 noon on August 26, hours before the disaster struck around 2:40 pm. It said the weather had remained clear until 10 am that morning, and even helicopter services were operational.
The Board added that it had deployed enforcement staff and its Disaster Management Task Force along the entire route and was closely monitoring weather updates. Once rains were forecast, registrations were stopped and most pilgrims had already completed their darshan and returned safely to Katra.
It pointed out that the new track via Tarakote—prone to slides—had been closed since August 24, while the old track, considered stable for decades, remained open under supervision until it too was shut by noon on August 26.
Calling the landslide a force majeure, the Board said the location near Inderprastha Bhojanalaya had never recorded such an incident before. The sudden cloudburst, confined to a 50-metre stretch, was “unpredictable and unforeseen.”
Rescue teams from the Board, District Administration, Police, CRPF, Army, NDRF, SDRF, and volunteers launched swift relief efforts. Injured pilgrims were evacuated and treated at the Shrine Board’s hospital in Kakryal, while stranded devotees were safely moved to Katra the same evening.
The Shrine Board reiterated that it always acts in line with official weather forecasts and prioritizes pilgrim safety. It expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, assured full support to bereaved families, and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
