Ramban Jul 20: The District administration Kishtwar has temporarily suspended the movement of pilgrims towards the annual Shri Sarthal Devi JiYatra in view of adverse weather conditions and the possibility of rain-related disasters.
According to a public advisory issued by Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and District Magistrate Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, the decision has been taken following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of moderate to heavy rainfall across the region and in continuation of the weather advisory issued on July 18.
The administration said the suspension has been ordered as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees, as prevailing weather conditions may trigger landslides, shooting stones, flash floods, overflowing streams and other weather-related hazards along the pilgrimage route.
The advisory states that no pilgrim will be allowed to proceed towards the Shri Sarthal Devi Ji shrine until further orders. Devotees have been urged to postpone their pilgrimage plans and strictly follow the advisories issued by the district administration and other competent authorities.
The District Magistrate has also directed all concerned departments, including Police, Civil Administration and local authorities, to ensure strict implementation of the advisory.
The administration appealed to devotees, local committees and the general public to extend full cooperation in the interest of public safety, adding that the suspension will remain in force until weather conditions improve and further orders are issued.
