SRINAGAR: The Kishtwar district administration on Monday suspended the movement of pilgrims towards the annual Shri Sarthal Devi Yatra until further orders in view of adverse weather conditions and the possibility of rain-related disasters.
In a public advisory, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kishtwar, said the decision was taken following an India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast predicting moderate to heavy rainfall in the region.
The administration said the precautionary measure had been taken to ensure public safety as the prevailing weather could trigger landslides, shooting stones, flash floods, overflowing streams and other hazards that may endanger pilgrims.
“No pilgrim shall be permitted to proceed towards Shri Sarthal Devi Ji till further orders,” the advisory said.
The administration also advised devotees to defer their pilgrimage during the suspension period and strictly follow advisories issued by the district administration and other competent authorities.
Police, civil administration and other concerned departments have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order.
The DDMA appealed to devotees, local committees and the general public to cooperate with the authorities in the interest of public safety.
