An accident in the shape of a landslide on the Mata Vaishno Devi track, which claimed the lives of two women pilgrims and injured a six-year-old girl, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by devotees who undertake this sacred journey. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures along the pilgrimage routes, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters like landslides. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine attracts millions of pilgrims each year, making it one of the most revered religious sites in India. However, the trek to the shrine, especially during the monsoon season, is fraught with dangers. The landslide near Panchi Colony Himkoti, just three kilometres from Bhawan, is a painful example of the risks pilgrims face. The loss of lives in this incident is tragic, and it raises critical questions about the effectiveness of existing safety measures. While the SMVDSB has undertaken the Slope Stabilisation Project to protect vulnerable areas, this incident suggests that more comprehensive and immediate actions are needed. Local efforts have repeatedly failed, and Railways and NHAI are the experts in slope stabilisation, as such SMVDSB should take proactive steps to outsource consultations to mitigate the risks associated with landslides and shooting stones.
Moreover, the incident highlights the need for better infrastructure and emergency response systems. The fact that a massive boulder, coupled with debris, could so easily destroy the overhead tin shed and iron structure points to the inadequacy of the current infrastructure to withstand such events. Ensuring that shelters, resting points, and other structures along the track are reinforced and capable of withstanding natural calamities is crucial. Financial compensation alone cannot make up for the loss of lives. What is needed is a concerted effort to ensure that such tragedies do not recur. As millions continue to flock to Mata Vaishno Devi in search of spiritual solace, their safety must be prioritised. The sanctity of this pilgrimage should be matched by a commitment to ensuring the safety and security of every devotee.
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