The new track to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been closed for pilgrims in view of landslide threat as Katra town in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district received the heaviest rainfall in past 43 years.
Chopper service to the shrine has also been suspended because of inclement weather. However, pilgrims can reach the shrine atop Trikuta Hills will continue on the old track, officials said today.
"Yatra has been suspended on the new track due to the threat of landslides. However, the yatra is going on the old track," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Anshul Garg told PTI.
Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, received 315.4 mm of rain in 24 hours.
"This is the heaviest rainfall since 1980. On July 31, 2019, Katra received 292.4 mm of rain," an official of the weather department said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Featured Video Of The Day
Passengers Panic, Scream For Rescue As Ferry Sinks Near Mumbai
Now, Devotees Visiting Vaishno Devi Shrine To Get Plant As "Prasad" After Liquor And Meat, Jammu And Kashmir's Katra Bans Tobacco Products Rush Of Devotees At Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Ahead Of New Year Video: Rahul Gandhi Approaches BJP MP Who Fell During Protest, This Happens Protests At Parliament Turn Into Injury vs Injury Claims By BJP, Congress Ambedkar Row: Congress Doubles Down After BJP's Soros Edit Of Protest Pic Indian Origin Student Wears Lehenga To Graduation Ceremony In Switzerland Opposition's No Trust Move Against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Rejected Viral: Passenger's Great Dane As "Support" Dog On Flight Sparks Debate Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.