Vaishno Devi – Pilgrimage Remains Suspended as Heavy Rain Disrupts Jammu Region

Vaishno Devi – Continuous heavy rainfall has brought normal life to a standstill across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, forcing authorities to suspend the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage for the fourth consecutive day while also disrupting road connectivity on key routes.

Katra, the gateway to the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, has turned unusually quiet after officials continued to keep the pilgrimage suspended because of persistent bad weather. The precautionary decision was taken to ensure the safety of devotees as rain and unstable conditions have made travel along the pilgrimage route unsafe. The absence of pilgrims has significantly reduced activity in the town, which is normally crowded with thousands of visitors every day.

Authorities Advise Pilgrims to Wait

Officials have urged devotees planning to visit the holy cave shrine to closely follow government advisories before beginning their journey. Pilgrims have been requested not to move towards the trekking route until the administration officially announces the resumption of the Yatra. Authorities indicated that the pilgrimage will restart only after weather conditions improve and the route is considered safe for public movement.

Jammu-Srinagar Highway Closed Amid Landslide Risk

The spell of relentless rain has also affected transport across the Union Territory. Traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH44), the region’s primary road link, has been suspended following mudslides, falling rocks and other weather-related hazards at several vulnerable locations.

Officials have stopped vehicle movement from both Qazigund in the Kashmir Valley and Udhampur towards Ramban to prevent accidents. The closure comes after continuous rainfall over the past two days increased the risk of landslides and rockfalls along the highway, making travel unsafe for commuters and freight vehicles alike.

Heavy Rain Causes Damage in Doda and Kishtwar

Several districts have reported widespread damage as intense rainfall continues across the region. In Bhalesa, located in Doda district, overflowing rivers, streams and drainage channels have affected residential properties, agricultural fields and standing crops.

With incidents of flash floods, cloudbursts and landslides being reported in different areas, the district administrations of Doda and Kishtwar have appealed to residents to stay away from riverbanks, mountainous stretches and locations vulnerable to landslides. The advisory will remain in place until weather conditions become stable.

Fog and Rain Reduce Visibility in Ramban

Ramban district has also experienced a sharp change in weather after prolonged rainfall covered the surrounding hills with thick fog and low clouds. Visibility dropped considerably in several stretches, creating difficult driving conditions for motorists.

The rainfall has also led to a noticeable fall in temperatures across the district, while mist-covered mountains have become a defining feature of the landscape during the ongoing wet spell.

Salal Dam Gates Opened to Manage Rising Water

The continuous rainfall across Reasi district and its upper catchment areas has increased the inflow of water into the Salal reservoir. As water levels continued to rise, authorities opened all gates of the dam to regulate the discharge and maintain reservoir safety.

Officials are closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and water levels across affected districts. Residents have been advised to remain alert, follow instructions issued by local administrations and avoid unnecessary travel until rainfall subsides and conditions return to normal.