Vaishno Devi likely to reopen on August 16

FRESH GUIDELINES Final decision to be taken by shrine board, says Reasi DC

JAMMU: Though around a dozen Covid-19 cases have been reported from the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine over the last couple of days, the temple will be re-opened on Saturday after a hiatus of around five months

The shrine was closed on March 18 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Reasi district commissioner, Indu Kanwal Chib, said, “Most probably the pilgrimage will resume from Sunday but a final decision is yet to be taken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.”

‘DO AWAY WITH 500-PILGRIM CEILING’

Katra hotel association president Rakesh Wazir said, “Every individual in Katra, India and across the world welcomes the muchawaited resumption but we have requested the administration to remove the ceiling of 500 pilgrims from outside J&K and 4,500 from within J&K that is valid till September 30 because the footfall of local pilgrims during lean and peak season varies between 500 to 1500. Therefore, the rider of 500 pilgrims from outside J&K should be done away with.”

“Further, the latest Covid negative

test reports from native states of pilgrims from outside J&K should be considered valid for 72 hours,” he said.

The J&K government on Tuesday had issued guidelines and instructions for opening of all religious places from August 16. The order clearly says that any deviation from the order will attract penal action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.