Katra, August 20:
Heavy rainfall caused a temporary suspension of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday evening, said. However, the situation was under control and there was no report of any casualty or damage during the yatra yesterday.
“Heavy rains leashed Katra, the base camp for the pilgrims visiting the shrine, for several hours in the evening. The situation prompted the authorities to suspend the yatra as a precautionary measure till 5 am on Saturday,” Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Anshul Garg told.
He said that thousands of pilgrims were present at the Vaishno Devi shrine when it started raining heavily and continued until midnight, adding that the Himkoti track was also accordingly suspended.
The official said that as a precautionary measure, the upward movement of the yatra has been stopped from Katra. He also stated that Katra is presently under the close watch of Shrine Board staff, police, and CRPF officials.
