Jammu, July 24:
Due to incessant rains and landslides, the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra could not resume on Friday. The yatra was suspended for the sixth consecutive day.
A large number of devotees have returned to their homes without visiting the yatra. Despite this, about 10,000 to 12,000 devotees are still staying in Katra. Devotees say they will not return without visiting Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and are waiting for the yatra to begin.
On the other hand, teams of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board are continuously engaged in the work of clearing the debris of landslides in the new route and other affected areas and making the route safe. Efforts are being made to restore the route at the earliest with the help of machines and staff.
Senior officials of the district administration, police and the Shrine Board are constantly monitoring the situation. The situation is being reviewed based on the latest updates from the Meteorological Department. Officials said the safety of the pilgrims is the top priority and the yatra will be resumed only when the route is declared completely safe.
