Jammu, August 29:
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has given its clarification with facts. The board has expressed deep grief over the death of the devotees.
According to the board, the weather was clear and conducive for travel till 1 am on August 26. Heli services were also running. During this time, travel continued as usual.
Weather updates were constantly monitored. Weather forecast and advisories were strictly followed. – As soon as the forecast of moderate rain was known. The registration was immediately stopped. Many pilgrims were returning after darshan, they were on their way.
Many travellers stayed in the shelter sheds built on the way at the halts. These were the places which were never sensitive to landslides. – The new track between Katra and Ardhkunwari is very sensitive, travel from there was stopped from 24th August itself.
The old track is generally safe and was kept open under strict surveillance. No untoward incident has occurred here for the past several decades. – Travel on the track was suspended till 12 noon on August 26 after a weather advisory was issued.
The track near Indraprastha Bhojanalaya is one of the safest places, unexpectedly a cloud burst in a 50 meter stretch here, a landslide occurred at 2:40 pm. No such incident had ever happened here before. – Quick relief and rescue and debris removal work was done on a war footing.
