A major fire broke out in Trikuta Hills on Wednesday, 23 May. The pilgrimage to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine on the new battery car track was hence suspended, reported ANI.
However, the pilgrims were not stopped from using the traditional old track, Deputy Commisioner Reasi P Ramaswamy G told ANI.
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Around 20,000 pilgrims had registered themselves for the yatra by 2 pm, which was when the registration slip counter was closed for the day.
Around 25-30 thousand devotees from across the country, are stranded in Katra due to the closure of registration counter to avoid rush on old track in view of forest fire.Deputy Commisioner Reasi P Ramaswamy G to ANI
Indian Air Force helicopters were brought in to douse the fire in the Trikuta Hills, reported ANI. The helicopters used an under-slung bambi bucket.
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