Vaishnodevi yatra running smooth, chopper services resume

, Sep 9: Pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi in Trikuta Hills in Reasi district is going on smoothly today, with over 12,000 more pilgrims on their way to offer prayers.

The yatra had remained suspended for four consecutive days in view of heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir before it was resumed yesterday. However, the pilgrimage has resumed only through the old route and the two new tracks are still closed in view of landslides.

"Yatra to the cave shrine is going on smoothly after its resumption yesterday," Chief Executive officer (CEO), Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVSB), Mandeep K Bhandari told PTI. He said over 12,000 more pilgrims have started from Katra base camp today for their onward journey to the shrine and added that over 18,000 pilgrims have paid obeisance since the yatra's resumption.

Chopper services to the shrine were resumed but stopped for a brief time due to fog at Sanjichat area in Trikuta hill, which houses the helipad, the CEO said. "Yatra has not been stopped since its beginning yesterday morning, it is going on smoothly", the CEO said. As a precautionary measure, pilgrims have not been allowed to undertake the journey at night.

The yatra has resumed only through Sanjichhat-Bhairon Temple track and back from the same route and the two new tracks are still closed in view of landslides, he said, adding it will take two more days to make it available for pilgrims.

"For ensuring that pilgrims cover the journey during day time only, yatra slip issuance from Katra was stopped at 2:40 PM yesterday and this practice will be followed even today," he said. A total of 17,700 Yatris had embarked on the journey yesterday.

PTI