Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Suspended Due to Severe Weather Conditions
Suspension of Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage
In Jammu and Kashmir, the ongoing adverse weather and heavy rainfall forecasts have led to the temporary suspension of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Authorities announced that starting today (July 19), the pilgrimage will be halted to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. Previously, the Amarnath Yatra was also suspended due to similar weather conditions. A government spokesperson in Jammu confirmed the suspension of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, stating that this precautionary measure was taken in light of the weather warnings in the region.
Resumption of the Pilgrimage
The pilgrimage will resume once the weather improves and the route is deemed safe for devotees. Officials emphasized that the decision to suspend the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, following warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). They urged devotees to cooperate with the authorities and refrain from traveling until further notice.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
The spokesperson advised pilgrims to stay updated through official communication channels regarding the resumption of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The IMD has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to July 23. Heavy rainfall on Saturday caused landslides that affected two major pilgrimages in Uttarakhand; horse and mule services on the Kedarnath route were halted, and a group of Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrims was also stranded. Meanwhile, the IMD has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall across the state.
Regional Weather Alerts
For Sunday, the IMD has issued a red alert for Nainital, Champawat, and Udham Singh Nagar, warning of very heavy rainfall in certain areas. An orange alert has been issued for Dehradun, Tehri, Pauri, Haridwar, and Bageshwar, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and intense rain. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Almora, and Pithoragarh.