Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) executive member Raman Suri today urged the government to act swiftly in addressing the severe water logging issues in Katra and Jammu, warning of a high risk of epidemic outbreak due to stagnant water breeding grounds for diseases. While the decision of administration to vacate hotels and dharamshalas as a precautionary measure against potential landslides was in larger interest of pilgrims, there is a need to balance safety with the welfare of pilgrims, ensuring alternative accommodations are provided till the pilgrims plan their home returns after the restoration of trains services.
In the wake of recent tragic deaths caused by landslides on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra route, the order to evacuate hotels and dharamshalas has been issued with the utmost priority on public safety, considering the looming threat of road collapses amid ongoing heavy rains. “The proactive steps taken by the administration, such as closing schools and issuing timely warnings about landslides, are good and have the potential to save countless lives,” said Suri.
“However, we cannot overlook the broader implications. Katra serves as the vital base camp for the Yatra, attracting over one crore devotees annually for darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. With thousands typically residing in these hotels and dharamshalas, any delay in addressing water logging could lead to a catastrophic spread of epidemics.” Moreover if the yatris have been asked to vacate hotel some alternative arrangements for their stay till rail services are restored must be made.
Suri highlighted the urgent need for enhanced flood control measures, pointing out that heavy rains over the past few weeks have already claimed numerous lives across the state, with allegations surfacing of preventable losses due to untimely decisions. “Water logging in Jammu areas is not just a temporary inconvenience; it’s a breeding ground for malaria and other water-borne diseases like cholera, dengue, and typhoid,” he warned.
“The government must deploy immediate resources for drainage improvements, mosquito control programs, and sanitation drives to contain the spread of these illnesses. We appreciate the Shrine Board’s caution in halting the Yatra following the landslide a few days ago, especially after accusations of ignoring heavy rain warnings. But with the Yatra currently suspended and only a handful of devotees remaining in Katra, this is the opportune moment to fortify flood defenses before travel resumes with improved weather.”
The BJP leader stressed that while evacuating risky areas is essential to prevent innocent lives from being lost in disasters, the government must also plan for the pilgrims’ future needs. “Vacating hotels was the right call for immediate safety, but what about the devotees who will return? Alternative safe accommodations, perhaps in elevated or reinforced zones, should be arranged without delay to ensure the Yatra’s continuity and the economic livelihood of local communities dependent on pilgrimage tourism,” Suri added.
Raman Suri called on the administration to collaborate with local authorities and health experts to implement a comprehensive strategy, including regular monitoring of water bodies, distribution of preventive medications, and public awareness campaigns on hygiene practices. “Lives have already been lost due to nature’s fury; we cannot afford to lose more to preventable epidemics. The government must prioritize flood control and disease prevention to protect both residents and the millions of faithful who flock to this holy site,” he concluded.
