Jammu & Kashmir faced a devastating landslide near the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, claiming several lives. The incident, coupled with heavy floods in other regions of the Union Territory, has brought widespread grief and urgent demands for relief measures.
Chief Minister’s Relief Announcement
Responding to the disaster, the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir announced an ex-gratia of ₹6 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the Vaishno Devi landslide and other flood-related incidents in the last two days. The package includes ₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and ₹2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Relief for the Injured
Alongside the compensation for deceased victims’ families, the Chief Minister confirmed that ₹1 lakh will be provided to the severely injured and ₹50,000 to those with minor injuries. The government assured that medical support and rehabilitation measures are being extended immediately.
Immediate District-Level Funding
To speed up relief operations, the Chief Minister has also sanctioned ₹10 crore for advance placement with each Deputy Commissioner across Jammu & Kashmir. This fund will be used for emergency relief, rehabilitation, and restoration work.
Official Confirmation via CM Office
The announcement was made through the official handle of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Jammu & Kashmir, which shared details of the relief measures on Tuesday morning. The CMO emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring timely assistance to affected families.
Pilgrims and Local Communities Affected
The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites, sees thousands of devotees every day. The landslide has not only caused tragic deaths but also disrupted pilgrimage routes. Authorities are working to restore pathways, clear debris, and resume safe pilgrim movement.
Floods Add to Challenges
In addition to the landslide, heavy monsoon rains in Jammu & Kashmir have triggered flash floods in several districts, leading to damage of infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land. Relief teams are coordinating with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and SDRF units for evacuations and emergency aid.
CM’s Assurance to Citizens
The Chief Minister assured residents and pilgrims that every effort is being taken to provide immediate support. He also directed officials to conduct safety assessments in vulnerable zones and ensure preventive measures in flood-prone areas.
National Leaders Extend Condolences
Leaders from across India expressed condolences over the tragedy and lauded the swift relief measures. The Centre is expected to extend additional financial and logistical support if required.
Path Forward for Relief and Rehabilitation
The government has announced that families of victims will be fast-tracked in receiving relief payments. Rehabilitation packages will also be extended for those who lost homes and livelihoods due to floods. Long-term disaster management planning is being discussed to minimize the impact of such incidents in the future.
