Now, safety gear for pony riders at Vaishno Devi

Jammu, May 21

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Tuesday introduced safety gadgets for the pony riders performing the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage from Katra town to Bhawan (holy cave shrine) at Katra in Reasi district.

The move is aimed at ensuring that the 12-km-long pilgrimage is injury-free journey for the pilgrims riding on ponies.

“For a safe journey, especially for those who are performing pilgrimage on ponies, the shrine board on Tuesday introduced helmets, knee and elbow guards to prevent injuries,” said Simrandeep Singh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the board.

Some cases of injuries to pilgrims after slipping from ponies were reported in the past, while two pilgrims had also died en route the shrine.

“Every pilgrim riding on the pony to Bhawan or coming back will be provided helmets, knee and elbow guards so that maximum injury can be prevented,” the CEO said.

In 2018, the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine had crossed 85.95 lakh, which was the highest in the last four years.