Pilgrim dies, several injured in landslide on Vaishno Devi Shrine route in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi

Srinagar: At least one pilgrim was killed and several others injured on Monday morning after a landslide struck the old track leading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in the Katra area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.

The incident occurred around 8:50 am near Gulshan Ka Langar, close to Banganga, the traditional starting point of the uphill pilgrimage. The section of the track affected by the landslide is heavily used by pony riders, palki bearers, and pitthu (porters) who assist pilgrims during their climb.

According to officials, the landslide was triggered by continuous heavy rainfall in the Katra, which serves as the base camp for thousands of devotees visiting the shrine each day.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic as boulders and debris tumbled down the hillside, forcing pilgrims to run for cover. Visuals from the site showed people screaming and scrambling to safety as Shrine Board staff, SDRF teams, and police rushed in to rescue those trapped.

“A massive landslide hit the track due to continuous downpour in the region. Debris fell suddenly, trapping a group of pilgrims,” a police official said. “A swift rescue operation was launched, and all injured pilgrims were pulled out and taken to a nearby hospital.”

One of the injured pilgrims succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, officials said and added that the condition of the other injured is stable. The old track has been temporarily closed, and clearance operations are underway. Authorities have issued an advisory urging pilgrims to avoid the old route and instead use the alternative new track, which remains open and is equipped with better safety features.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the tragic landslide incident. “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,” he posted on X.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, located at an altitude of about 5,200 feet in the Trikuta Hills, is one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Devotees undertake a 12-kilometre trek from Katra to reach the holy cave, which is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of the Hindu trinity of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.

While a new track with improved infrastructure has been developed in recent years to facilitate easier and safer movement, the older route—popular with pony riders and traditional pilgrims—remains in active use and sees heavy footfall, especially during peak pilgrimage months.

Landslides and rockfalls are a recurring hazard along the hilly terrain during the monsoon season, prompting regular safety advisories from Shrine Board authorities and the local administration.

Pilgrims have been asked to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and avoid trekking during intense rainfall to prevent accidents.