The Vaishnodevi Shrine Board on Sunday announced the cancellation of all bookings with a 100 per cent refund for the period during which the yatra remains suspended.
The yatra was suspended on 26 August after 35 pilgrims lost their lives and about 20 were injured in a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in the region.
In an announcement, the Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) stated: “All bookings stand cancelled with a 100% refund till the yatra remains suspended. Please send cancellation requests with details to refund@maavaishnodevi.net.”
The statement added: “Earlier self-cancellations will be refunded within 15 days. For queries, contact the SMVDSB Call Centre at 18001807212 / +91 9906019494.”
The Shrine Board has faced sharp criticism for allegedly continuing the yatra despite a severe weather alert, which led to the tragic deaths of several pilgrims.
However, the Board strongly refuted the allegations, terming them “false and baseless.”
“The Board has at all times acted strictly in accordance with official weather forecasts and advisories, with pilgrim safety and well-being as its foremost priority. The Shrine Board stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief, and every possible assistance will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased devotees. The injured are being given the best possible medical treatment, and the Shrine Board prays to Mata Vaishno Devi for their speedy recovery,” the SMVDSB said.