Jammu, July 21, 2025 : A landslide triggered by heavy rains struck the old track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district early Monday, leaving one pilgrim dead and nine others injured, officials said.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. at Gulshan Ka Langar near Banganga—the starting point of the pilgrimage route where pony riders and pilgrims usually gather. A booking office and overhead iron structure collapsed under the debris caused by the landslide, prompting immediate suspension of the yatra till 1 p.m. as a precaution.
Officiating CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, rushed to the site and confirmed a full-scale rescue and debris-clearing operation was underway, assisted by an earth-mover and emergency teams.
Three people were critically injured in the incident: Uppan (70) and his wife K. Radha (66), both from Chennai, and Rajinder Bhalla (70) from Haryana. All three were admitted to Narayana Hospital. Another pilgrim, Leela Raikwar (56) of Uttar Pradesh, is being treated at the Community Health Centre in Katra.
One of the critically injured later succumbed to injuries, officials confirmed.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident and said he is closely monitoring the situation.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic landslide at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the bereaved family. Directed Shrine Board to ensure the best possible medical care and support to the injured. Monitoring the situation closely,” he posted on X.
Others injured in the incident include Suresh Kumar (66) from Maharashtra, and two locals — Nikhil Thakur (26) and Vicky Sharma — all of whom were discharged after receiving first aid.
Eyewitness Nikhil Thakur said he was inside the booking office when stones began hitting the structure.
“We rushed out fearing a landslide and alerted others. Luckily, only a few people were present due to the rain,” he told PTI over the phone.
Katra town recorded 184.2 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the Meteorological Department reported. A separate landslide had also blocked the new track near Himkoti on Sunday night, with restoration efforts currently underway.
The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps has joined the civil administration in rescue efforts.
“Troops swiftly mobilised to assist in relief operations following the Katra landslide. Immediate support was provided, showcasing our unwavering commitment to the people,” the Army said in a statement.
