Only 50,000 devotees will be allowed at Vaishno Devi shrine from now on: NGT

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently directed that not more than 50,000 pilgrims will be allowed at Vaishno Devi mandir or be a part of the Vaisho Devi yatra. This crucial measure was taken to avoid any unpleasant incident and to curb the pollution in the holy town of Katra. The NGT panel, headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, also mentioned that from 24th November 2017, a new path will be opened exclusively for pedestrians and battery-run vehicles that take pilgrims to the shrine. Besides, the horses and mules too will take the new path and gradually the animals will be barred from walking on the main or old path.
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This entire episode took place when activist Gauri Maulekhi filed a plea to stop the use of ponies and horses in the town of Katra. The activist in his plea had shown his apprehension over the "pollution and danger to public health" which is caused by the inept use of animals. In his plea, he mentioned that these animals are also dangerous for people going for Vaishno Devi darshan especially for elderly pilgrims. These animals are used here to carry devotees to the shrine and also used in transporting goods from town to temple.

Further, the NGT added, "The new path which was constructed for Rs 40 crore should be positively opened to the public by November 24. No further time will be granted and, in default, appropriate action will be taken against the concerned authorities."

The panel is quite serious about this law and if anyone found littering or responsible for making the roads dirty will have to pay a fine of INR 2,000 (environment compensation). Also, if the total number of pilgrims goes beyond 50,000, then people will be asked to stop at Ardhkuwari or Katra town.