Aug 29, 2025: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has denied claims that it allowed the yatra to go on despite weather warnings and at the expense of pilgrim safety. Instead, it said that the pilgrimage was stopped at noon on August 26 in advance of a cloudburst that caused a landslide. However, the Board withheld specifics regarding the number of fatalities caused by the disaster. The cloudburst caused a landslide on the path to the shrine at Adhkuwari in the Trikuta hills of the Katra belt, which killed 34 pilgrims and injured 18 more. “A few media reports have been circulating since yesterday alleging that yatra was allowed to proceed in complete disregard of weather advisories and at the expense of pilgrim safety. The Board takes note of the correct factual position to dispel the impression being created by the insinuating media reports and expresses its deep sorrow over the unfortunate deaths of pilgrims on August 26.

In a statement released on Thursday night, the Board categorically denied the allegations as unfounded. It stated that the weather on August 26 remained clear and suitable for pilgrimage until approximately 10 a.m., during which time the yatra continued normally. At that time, even helicopter services ran without a hitch. It stated that weather updates were closely monitored and that the Board had made elaborate arrangements by positioning its enforcement staff and Disaster Management Task Force along the entire track in accordance with its established standard operating procedure. Registrations were immediately suspended as soon as the moderate rain forecast was received. After completing darshan at the Holy Cave Shrine, the majority of the yatris were moving down the track. By that time, thousands of yatris had successfully completed their return pilgrimage to Katra, it stated. The statement further mentioned that many pilgrims stayed on in the shelter sheds en route at designated halt points on the old track. “These are those points and stretches which have never been susceptible to landslides in the past. For the sake of pilgrim safety, these halt points have been specifically constructed in the safest areas of the track. The new track between Katra and Adhkuwari (through Tarakote), which is susceptible to landslides and weather-related disruptions, had already been closed since August 24 in the interest of pilgrim safety, it said.

The old track, which had stabilized over many decades and was generally safe and free of slides and shooting stones, was kept open for pilgrim movement while weather conditions were closely monitored. According to the statement, "Even yatra on this track was suspended by 12 noon on August 26 upon the issuance of the specific weather advisory." It also stated that the unfortunate accident occurred near Inderprastha Bhojanalaya on the old track. "On the track, this is one of the safest spots. However, at 2.40 p.m., nature unleashed its fury in the form of a sudden and severe cloudburst that only affected this 50-meter area and triggered the massive landslide.

From every angle, it was unpredictably and unexpected. In the past, no such landslide has been observed in this region. It stated, "The event was a force majeure." In close collaboration with the District Administration Reasi, the J&K Police, the CRPF, the Army, the NDRF, and the SDRF, as well as volunteers, the Disaster Management Task Force of the Shrine Board, which was spread out along the track, immediately launched swift evacuation and relief efforts. “Eighteen pilgrims who had sustained injuries were safely evacuated and shifted for super-specialty care at the Shrine Board’s hospital in Kakryal after being given first aid along the track,” it added.

By the evening of August 26, according to the statement, the stranded pilgrims had been safely evacuated to Katra via Tarakote Marg. It added, "Simultaneously, on a war footing, debris clearance, slope inspection, and stabilization were undertaken." In light of the weather forecasts, the Board reiterated that every reasonable precaution was taken. It continued, "The unfortunate cloudburst that resulted in the loss of precious lives was not foreseeable by humans and was therefore beyond anyone's anticipation or control." The Board said it has at all times acted strictly in line with official weather forecasts and advisories, with pilgrim safety and well-being as its foremost priority.

The Shrine Board stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief and every possible assistance will be provided to the NoKs of the deceased devotees. The injured are being provided with the best possible medical treatment and the Shrine Board prays to Mata Vaishno Devi for their quick recovery.