One CRPF personnel killed in Vaishnovdevi; Yatra progressing smoothly

Shri Mata Vaishnov Devi

Today at 12.50 PM a portion of the rock formation fell on the track near the Vaishnovdevi Shrine area as a result of which one CRPF personnel, Head Constable Harvinder Singh, lost his life. The Yatra, which was diverted for some time via the exit route till the debris was cleared, is progressing smoothly via the normal route.

Giving details about the incident, Mr. A. K. Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, informed that the strata of the rock at this site is sedimentary and one portion of the rock sliced from the main rock strata and fell on the track.

Immediately on hearing about this incident, the CEO along with Additional CEO and Executive Engineer of the Shrine Board rushed to the site of the incident and supervised the rescue operations. The men and machinery as well as the Disaster Management Task Force of the Shrine Board, Police and CRPF immediately cleared the debris and recovered the dead body of Head Constable Harvinder Singh of CRPF 6th Bn. (R/O Dasuya, Punjab). He was deployed on routine duty and died on the spot. All the Yatris are safe and the pilgrimage is progressing smoothly.

Expressing grief over this unfortunate incident Governor N. N. Vohra, Chairman of the Shrine Board, has directed CEO to arrange for an ex-gratia support of Rs. 3.00 lakh being paid to the family of the deceased.