Vaishno Devi landslide and pilgrimage suspension at Adhkuwari prompts rainfall alerts, Shrine Board advisory, and September 17 restart amid terrain instability and emergency response.
On August 26, a catastrophic landslide near Adhkuwari shattered the sacred silence of the Vaishno Devi trek. The disaster struck close to Inderprastha Bhojnalaya, killing 34 people and injuring 20 more—marking one of the shrine’s darkest days in recent memory. Rescue teams, Shrine Board officials, and volunteers rushed to the scene, but the devastation overwhelmed initial efforts.
Since August 26, unrelenting rainfall has battered the region, triggering fresh landslides and destabilizing the terrain. Authorities postponed the planned pilgrimage restart on September 14 after another landslide struck Sammar Point. Katra base camp recorded over 200 mm of rainfall—the highest in recent memory—further complicating restoration efforts.
The Shrine Board reported heavy mud flow on the Sanjhi Chhat and Bhawan paths. Cleanup is underway, but officials have urged pilgrims to wait. The scheduled pilgrimage was postponed—devotees asked to prioritize safety over devotion.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has now announced a tentative resumption date of September 17, subject to favorable weather conditions. Restoration teams have cleared major debris, and RFID-based tracking systems are being reactivated to ensure transparency and safety. However, officials continue to urge pilgrims to check live updates, follow designated routes, and avoid travel during adverse conditions.
🙏 Faith Meets Resilience
This pilgrimage is more than a journey—it’s a testament to devotion, unity, and the strength of a grieving yet hopeful community. Let us walk forward with caution, compassion, and reverence.
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