Tragic Landslide Claims Two Lives on Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Route

A landslide on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district resulted in the deaths of two female pilgrims from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh and gravely injured a five-year-old girl. Rescue operations were initiated, halting movement on the Himkoti track, while the traditional route remained open.

Two female pilgrims from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh lost their lives, and a five-year-old girl sustained severe injuries following a landslide on the new track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Monday, officials reported.

The landslide, caused by shooting stones after recent rainfall, struck near Panchi, three kilometers from Bhawan at approximately 2:15 PM, damaging an overhead iron structure. Pilgrims found themselves trapped beneath this structure, prompting immediate intervention from disaster management teams of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).

Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, confirmed the tragic event and forwarded senior police and administration officers to the scene. Rescue operations are underway, with the injured girl, Sanvi from Kanpur, being treated at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. Official investigations continue as the traditional Sanjhichatt route remains operational for pilgrims.

(With inputs from agencies.)