Vaishno Devi Shrine Board asks NRIs, foreign pilgrims to reschedule yatra

As a precautionary measure, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has issued an advisory asking Non-resident Indians and foreigners to avoid visiting the hill-top cave shrine for 28 days after landing in India.
Apparently, the travel advisory has been issued on account of the Coronavirus scare in India and the world.

On Sunday, the shrine board also asked Indian pilgrims with symptoms like heavy fever, cough and breathing problems, to postpone or reschedule their visit to the famous cave temple.
As per SMVDSB, precautionary measures are being issued to control the impact of Coronavirus in the holy place.


In addition, the advisories are being announced on the multi-purpose audio system installed on the trekking route from Katra to main bhawan of the goddess to spread awareness about the disease.

As a supplementary measure, mandatory and full thermal scanning of the pilgrims is being done at Tarakote, Banganga and the helipad.

Ramesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, told the press that fully-functional yatri helpdesks are present at the Katra railway station, enquiry and reservation counter at Niharika Complex and the helipad, wherein self-declaration forms have to be filled by the pilgrims visiting from abroad.

Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in India. In the month of January and February 2020 alone, more than 9 lakh devotees visited the shrine, the highest in the last five years.