JK News Today
Katra, August 16
Nearly 200 pilgrims embarked on Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage Sunday on the first day of reopening after over four months of closure due to the Corona pandemic.
The authorities had made arrangements for 2000 pilgrims on the first day of reopening out of which 1800 were to be locals from J&K and the remaining 200 from the rest of the country.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) have made all arrangements for resumption of the pilgrimage and strict observance of guidelines laid down in view of prevailing pandemic Corona.
The yatries who embarked on the yatra today were all locals only. “The outside component consisted of a few Railway employees at Katra Railway station,” said SMVDSB official.
Thermal scanners have been put at various places to check body temperature of the pilgrims going to Vaishno Devi Bhawan with extensive sensitization happening all around. The pilgrims going to the Shrine would take the old traditional route while those coming back will take the new Tarakote route. The helicopter service will be resuming, the chair car from Bhawan to Bhairon is also operational and the golf car from ardhkuwari to Bhawan is also running.
The SMVDSB officials however clarified,”There will be no Pony service, Pithoos or Palki as yet.”
There are strict adherence of SOPs to be followed during COVID time like mask, social distancing, hand hygiene etc.
