Authorities have set up a dedicated control room in Katra to manage disaster response through the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall continues to batter Jammu and Kashmir. The move comes amid mounting pressure on the administration to stay ahead of flash floods and landslides triggered by continuous rain across the region.
Four Dead in Poonch Flash Floods, Rajouri and Reasi on Alert
According to news reports, heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir triggered flash floods in Poonch that killed 4 people. Following the incident, authorities issued alerts in Rajouri and Reasi districts, where rising water levels and continued heavy rain pose a similar risk. Flash floods and landslides are common in these hilly districts during the monsoon, often disrupting roads and movement.
What the Katra Control Room Is Meant to Do
The newly set up control room in Katra is intended to monitor disaster related emergencies through the monsoon and coordinate a quick response. Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims heading to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, drawing large numbers of visitors every day, which makes their safety during heavy rain or flooding a key priority for the administration.
Earlier Reviews of Preparedness at the Shrine
The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board had earlier reviewed its disaster preparedness and security arrangements. The board had also opened 8 new registration counters at Katra station to ease crowd management for pilgrims during the yatra. News reports have also noted that heavy snowfall previously disrupted air and road connectivity in Kashmir, underlining that weather related challenges in Jammu and Kashmir persist through different seasons.
