One pilgrim lost his life and six others were injured when a landslide struck the old track to the Vaishno Devi shrine near Banganga in Jammu’s Reasi district on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 8:50 a.m. near Gulshan Ka Langar, a spot where pony riders often congregate at the start of the yatra.
The landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall that lashed the Katra region, the base camp for the pilgrimage to the hilltop shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
Troops from the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps were swiftly deployed and assisted civil authorities in the ongoing relief and rescue operations. The injured pilgrims were promptly evacuated to a hospital in Katra for treatment.
The deceased pilgrim was buried under debris, while six others—two of them women—sustained injuries. They have been identified as:
- Rajinder Bhalla (70), Yamuna Nagar, Haryana
- Leela Raikwar (56), Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh
- K. Radha (66), Chennai
- Upan Radha (70), Chennai
- Nikhil Thakur (26), Tirki
- Suresh Kumar (66), Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra
- Vicky Sharma (37), Dhanori, Katra
In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the Indian Army said:
“In response to a landslide in the general area of Katra, troops of White Knight Corps were swiftly mobilised to assist in relief and rescue operations in collaboration with civil authorities. Immediate support was provided to the affected locals, showcasing the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to the people.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, is closely monitoring the situation. He expressed grief over the loss of life and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslide incident at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in which a devotee unfortunately lost his life. Directed Shrine Board to provide best possible medical care and support to the injured pilgrims. I’m constantly monitoring the situation,” the LG posted on X.
As of the last reports, rescue operations were still underway, and efforts were being made to clear the affected area and ensure the safety of other pilgrims along the route.