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| Courtesy: Web |
Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, deeply moved by the tragic loss of lives in the Vaishno Devi landslide, announced ₹4 lakh ex-gratia for each bereaved family of pilgrims from the state. He also directed officials to ensure that the deceased are brought back to their hometowns as swiftly as possible. This gesture came in the wake of a landslide that struck the pilgrimage route near Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, claiming multiple lives from Uttar Pradesh.
What exactly happened?
On Tuesday, torrential rains triggered a massive landslide on the Vaishno Devi trekking path near Ardhkuwari/Indraprastha Bhojanalaya, burying pilgrims under debris. Among the casualties were several young individuals, children, and newlyweds from districts like Agra, Baghpat, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar. The calamity has shaken communities across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
A gesture of compassion
With an empathetic tone, CM Yogi Adityanath extended his condolences and declared that ₹4 lakh would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized the urgency of returning the bodies respectfully and coordinating with both state and central agencies for quick action.
Broader relief efforts underway in J&K
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister took their own steps, announcing ₹6 lakh ex-gratia (comprising ₹5 lakh from Shrine Board policy and an additional ₹1 lakh from SDRF/CM Relief Fund) for victims’ families affected by the landslide and flood-related incidents across the Union Territory. The administration also mobilized ₹10 crore in relief funds for ground-level rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
In memory and in action
This tragedy is a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability—even on a spiritual journey, as families sought solace and blessings en route to Vaishno Devi. Through his announcement, CM Adityanath not only offered financial aid but also sought to restore dignity and support in grief. Meanwhile, relief operations and broader aid initiatives continue across affected regions, hoping to heal and rebuild.