Jammu, August 29, 2025 – In response to the devastating landslide that claimed 34 lives and injured 20 pilgrims on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has constituted a three-member high-level committee to investigate the incident. The probe, ordered on Friday, aims to uncover the causes behind the tragedy near Adhkwari in Reasi district on August 26, 2025, assess any lapses in response, and recommend preventive measures to safeguard future pilgrimages. As the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Sinha emphasized accountability and enhanced safety protocols amid ongoing heavy rains that have suspended the yatra for the fourth consecutive day.The landslide, triggered by a sudden cloudburst during relentless monsoon downpours, struck around 3 PM on the old pilgrimage track, halfway along the 12-km trek from Katra base camp. Boulders, rocks, and debris cascaded down, catching devotees unawares despite prior weather advisories. The Shrine Board maintains that the yatra was suspended by noon on the day of the incident, with the new Tarakote route closed since August 24 due to vulnerability. However, some pilgrims remained in shelter sheds on the traditionally safer old route, leading to the unforeseen disaster in an area previously considered low-risk.
Manoj Sinha expressed profound grief over the loss, directing immediate ex-gratia payments of Rs 5 lakh to families of the deceased and ensuring medical care for the injured. Rescue operations, involving NDRF, SDRF, police, and local volunteers, have concluded with debris clearance nearly complete, though the pilgrimage remains halted due to persistent inclement weather in the Trikuta hills.
Composition and Mandate of the Inquiry Committee
The high-level panel is headed by Additional Chief Secretary Shaleen Kabra of the Jal Shakti Department, with Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police Jammu BS Tuti as members. The committee’s mandate includes:
- A thorough examination of the causes and circumstances leading to the landslide.
- Identification of any administrative or operational lapses in weather monitoring, route management, or evacuation protocols.
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of rescue and relief measures post-incident.
- Formulation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and preventive strategies to mitigate future risks, such as improved early warning systems and infrastructure reinforcements.
The panel is required to submit its detailed report within two weeks directly to LG Sinha, facilitating swift implementation of recommendations to bolster pilgrim safety.
Political Backlash and Calls for Accountability
The tragedy has sparked a political storm, with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary accusing the Shrine Board of “criminal negligence” and labeling the deaths a “mass murder” due to failure to halt the yatra despite meteorological alerts. Choudhary demanded a central probe by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging a possible “criminal conspiracy.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed concerns, questioning why pilgrims were allowed on the track amid warnings and urging stricter adherence to safety norms. The LG’s administration and Shrine Board have refuted claims of disregarding advisories, asserting proactive suspensions and historical safety of the affected route.Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Sinha and Abdullah on August 26, expressing condolences and ensuring central support for relief efforts. Sinha also briefed Prime Minister Modi on the situation, highlighting the administration’s focus on life-saving operations amid broader flood impacts in Jammu division.
Broader Impact of Monsoon Fury in J&K
The Vaishno Devi incident is part of a larger crisis, with the overall death toll from rain-related disasters in Jammu and Kashmir rising to 41, including flash floods in Kishtwar and Doda. Rivers like Jhelum and Tawi have breached danger levels, causing widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to rail and road connectivity. Schools and colleges in Jammu remain closed, and night curfews are enforced for safety. Telecom services were briefly disrupted but restored, while telecom operators like Airtel and Jio have extended relief packages for affected users.As heavy rains continue under an IMD orange alert, authorities are urging pilgrims and residents to heed advisories. The inquiry’s outcomes are expected to set precedents for disaster management at high-footfall religious sites, ensuring such tragedies do not recur in the fragile Himalayan terrain.
