Vaishno Devi yatra suspended due to massive fire in Trikuta hills; at least 25,000 pilgrims stranded in Jammu

The pilgrimage of yatra to Vaishno Devi has been suspended due to the massive fire broke out in Trikuta hills. Reportedly, at least 25,000 pilgrims who are going for the yatra have been stranded at Katra in Jammu’s Reasi district on Wednesday afternoon, i.e. 23 May 2018.

The yatra has been suspended by the authorities after concerning the safety measures for the pilgrims.

'A devastating fire broke out in Trikuta Hills of Mata Vaishno Devi at new battery car track,' said Deputy Commissioner Reasi P Ramaswamy G.

According to the officials, the new ‘battery car track’ route was cordoned off and also the rescue operation also started to evacuate the pilgrims from the location where they had been stranded. Visitors, however, can still use the old track to visit the shrine.
He also added that the registration slip counter was already closed at 02:00 hrs. At least 20,000 pilgrims had registered themselves for the yatra.

Meanwhile, around 25,000 devotees from across the country, are stranded in Katra due to the closure of registration counter to avoid the rush on old track in view of a forest fire,'' Ramaswamy G added.

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