Mata Vaishnodevi shrine atop Trikuta hills in J-K receives snow; rain lashes plains of Jammu region

Jammu, February 1

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High-altitude areas of Jammu province, including the cave shrine of Mata Vaishnodevi atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district, received fresh snow on Thursday morning.

Officials said moderate to light rain also lashed the plains of the Jammu region.

“Fresh snow was witnessed in and around the Bhawan of Mata Vaishnodevi. The Trikuta hills area was covered with a blanket of snow this morning,” they said.

Bhairon Ghati and Himkoti in Trikuta hills and the serpentine route leading to the shrine also experienced snow, they said.

Despite the snow, the pilgrimage to the temple remained unaffected, with hundreds of pilgrims departing from the Katra base camp this morning.

Apart from Vaishnodevi, the mountains of Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, Ramban, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch, including the Mughal Road, experienced snow.

Authorities have warned people about the potential risk of landslides and shooting stones on vulnerable spots along highways and urged them to avoid unnecessary travel.

The hills around the Patnitop hill resort also experienced snow.

In Jammu and Samba areas, rain accompanied by light winds marked the end of over a month of dry and chilly foggy conditions.

“Rain has ended the extreme cold conditions, providing relief to the residents,” a MeT official said.

Heavy snow and rain are forecast in Kishtwar district, posing risks of landslides and disruptions on national highways and hilly roads, officials said.