Stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Jammu (J&K), January 2, 2022: An unfortunate stampede incident had occurred at about 02:15 Hours near Gate No. 3 on January 1, 2022 at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan; that resulted in death of 12 pilgrims and injury to 16 pilgrims.
The rescue and evacuation operations were promptly launched as part of the established S.O.P. by the joint teams of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board authorities, District Administration, Police & CRPF to control the situation.
The dead were swiftly shifted to C.H.C. Katra for further medico-legal formalities. Meanwhile, the injured pilgrims after being given first-aid at the Medical Unit, Bhawan, were immediately shifted for specialized treatment to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Super-Specialty Hospital, Kakryal. By the evening, 9 out of total 16 injured pilgrims were already discharged; and the condition of remaining 7 pilgrims is stable who are being continuously monitored by a team of Doctors.
The Lieutenant Governor, J&K who has been personally monitoring the whole situation since early morning also visited the Super-Specialty Hospital, Kakryal today afternoon and enquired about the health of injured pilgrims and interacted with them. He also directed the officials to ensure that the ex-gratia amount of Rs.10 lacs for the deceased and Rs.2 lacs for the injured, already announced by the Government should be released in of the legal heirs on priority in a hassle free manner.
However, prima facie it appears that some kind of minor scuffle between few pilgrims led to the stampede near Gate No.3 (this is the Gate which is half way to the otherwise que that normal devotee takes for visiting sanctorum and this is where security personals and their families enter the que as a preferential treatment).
The daily capping of Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is being strictly restricted to maximum 35,000 pilgrims per day. Meanwhile, the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra is continuing smoothly, with approx 27,000 pilgrims having done darshan at the Holy Shrine on 1st January 2022.
The Government has invited the people to share facts, statements or electronic evidence regarding the tragic incident at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu Kashmir on 01-01-2022.
It is for the information of the General Public that any person who desires to furnish any facts, statements, electronic evidence etc. regarding the said incident; may share the same on the email id: divcomjmu-jk@nic.in or Whatsapp No: 09419202723 or Landline No: 0191-2478996 by or before 05-01-2022. Any person who desires to meet in person, may kindly appear before the said Enquiry Committee in person between 11:00 AM to 01:00 PM on 05-01-2022 in the Office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Rail Head Complex, Panama Chowk; to furnish any statements/ facts/ evidence” a notice issued by Divisional Commissioner Office Jammu stated.
Several important decisions have also been taken to ensure safety of pilgrim during a special meeting chaired by Lt Governor Jammu & Kashmir. It was emphasizes for appropriate use of technology for effective crowd and queue management, putting in place Tracking system and making booking of Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra 100% through online mode.
