Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital (SMVDNSH) in Katra, where he met devotees injured in a tragic landslide near Ardhkuwari on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine route. This heartfelt gesture underscored the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s unwavering commitment to supporting victims of the recent natural calamities, including a devastating landslide that claimed at least 31 lives and injured over 20 others, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall and a cloudburst that caused widespread floods and disruptions across the region.
The landslide, occurring around 3 PM on August 26 near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari, was a consequence of unprecedented monsoon rains, with Jammu recording over 380 mm of rainfall in 38 hours—the heaviest in decades. The disaster buried pilgrims under mud, boulders, and debris along the 12-km trek from Katra to the shrine, leading to the immediate suspension of the Vaishno Devi yatra on both the old and Himkoti routes. Rescue operations, involving the Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, CRPF, and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) teams, were promptly launched to clear debris and evacuate stranded devotees. At least 17 NDRF teams and three Army relief columns, supported by 32 special boats airlifted for flood-prone areas, worked tirelessly to mitigate the crisis.During his visit to SMVDNSH, a 467-bed NABH-accredited facility inaugurated in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in collaboration with Narayana Health and the Shrine Board, LG Sinha was briefed by senior doctors on the condition of the 13 injured devotees, all reported to be in stable condition. He personally engaged with the patients, enquiring about their health and offering words of encouragement, while directing the hospital administration and medical staff to provide the best possible treatment for their speedy recovery. The hospital, specializing in over 20 areas including cardiology, oncology, and critical care, has emerged as a cornerstone of the region’s disaster response.
Addressing the media, LG Sinha described the incident as a “heart-wrenching natural calamity” caused by a cloudburst, noting the suspension of the yatra due to adverse weather. “Devotees at Ardhkuwari were caught in it. In this tragedy, we have lost precious lives. We are providing all possible assistance to bereaved families,” he stated. He announced ex-gratia relief, with the Shrine Board providing Rs 5 lakh and an additional Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to the kin of the deceased. The administration and SMVDSB are extending comprehensive support to affected families, reflecting a robust relief effort.LG Sinha expressed profound gratitude to emergency responders, SMVDSB employees, and local citizens for their exemplary efforts in saving lives. He briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the broader flood situation, which has led to over 5,000 evacuations, 22 train cancellations, and telecom blackouts (with intra-circle roaming activated until September 2). Rivers like Tawi, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Basantar have surged above danger levels, inundating low-lying areas and damaging infrastructure.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened emergency meetings, allocated funds for rehabilitation, and urged residents to avoid flood-prone zones and follow advisories via helplines like 112 and 6005953255.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for continued heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods until the week’s end, prompting LG Sinha to direct officials to maintain maximum readiness and ensure prompt emergency response. The crisis highlights the vulnerability of pilgrimage routes like the Trikuta Hills and the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure, early warning systems, and climate-resilient measures. SMVDNSH’s pivotal role in providing critical care underscores its importance in the region’s healthcare framework.LG Sinha’s visit not only addressed immediate medical needs but also reinforced hope and solidarity, strengthening public trust in the face of adversity.
As rescue operations continue and authorities monitor the situation, pilgrims are advised to check official updates before planning travel to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. This compassionate leadership, coupled with coordinated relief efforts, paves the way for recovery and resilience in Jammu and Kashmir.
