Student killed as landslide hits school in Poonch; 10 Vaishno Devi pilgrims injured near Katra
In a grim reminder of the dangers posed by monsoon rains in hilly regions, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed two separate landslide incidents on July 21, 2025, which claimed lives and left several injured. The first tragedy unfolded in the Poonch district when a landslide struck a government primary school, killing a young student and injuring others. On the same day, another landslide near the sacred Vaishno Devi pilgrimage track in Katra resulted in multiple injuries and a fatality among pilgrims. These unfortunate events have raised urgent concerns about safety measures in vulnerable areas during the monsoon season.
Poonch School Landslide: A Young Life Lost
Early morning on July 21, heavy rainfall in the Bainch–Kalsain area of Poonch district triggered a landslide that struck a government primary school during class hours. A massive boulder crashed through the tin roof of the school building, leading to the tragic death of a 5-year-old student named Ehsan Ali. The impact was sudden and devastating, catching both students and staff off guard.
Along with Ehsan Ali, five others sustained injuries, including four students aged between seven and eight years and one teacher. The injured were rushed to the nearby Poonch hospital for emergency medical treatment. Local authorities have initiated rescue operations to ensure no one else remains trapped or hurt. The school building suffered significant damage, raising urgent questions about the structural safety of educational institutions in vulnerable zones.
The incident has sparked a wave of grief and condemnation from local communities and government officials. District authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the causes and have assured swift rehabilitation support to the victim’s family. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in hilly terrains prone to landslides during the monsoon season.
Landslide Near Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Track: Pilgrims Injured
On the same day, the sacred pilgrimage town of Katra, gateway to the famous Vaishno Devi shrine, was shaken by another landslide incident. The landslide occurred along the old pilgrimage track near Gulshan Ka Langar in the Reasi district. The heavy monsoon downpour triggered a sudden earth movement, causing a booking office and an adjoining iron structure to collapse.
The calamity resulted in the death of a 70-year-old pilgrim and left at least 10 others injured, including three critically and seven with minor injuries. The injured pilgrims were immediately taken to Community Health Centre (CHC) Katra and Narayan Hospital for treatment. Rescue teams comprising local police, the Shrine Board, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the White Knight Corps of the Indian Army swiftly mobilized to clear debris and assist victims.
The landslide forced the temporary closure of the old Vaishno Devi track, disrupting the flow of pilgrims. The Shrine Board and local administration coordinated to divert pilgrims to alternative routes and expedite rescue operations. The Indian Army played a crucial role in stabilizing the area and preventing further casualties.
Monsoon Woes: The Larger Context
These two landslide incidents are part of a broader pattern of monsoon-related disasters impacting Jammu and Kashmir every year. The region’s rugged terrain and unstable geological formations make it particularly vulnerable to landslides during periods of heavy rain. With increasing rainfall intensity linked to climate change, the frequency and severity of such events appear to be on the rise.
The monsoon season, while vital for agriculture and water resources, brings with it significant challenges for hilly states like Jammu and Kashmir. Landslides not only cause loss of life but also disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and hamper economic activity. Schools, pilgrimage routes, roads, and residential areas located near slopes or unstable soil are at heightened risk.
Government officials and disaster management authorities have consistently urged for better early warning systems, community awareness programs, and infrastructure upgrades to minimize the impact of landslides. Despite these efforts, the scale of the problem demands more extensive and coordinated action.
Safety and Preparedness: What Needs to Be Done?
The recent tragedies emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive landslide risk mitigation in Jammu and Kashmir. Some of the critical measures include:
- Improved Structural Safety: Schools and public buildings in landslide-prone areas must be assessed for structural integrity. Retrofitting and construction using landslide-resistant designs can save lives.
- Early Warning Systems: Enhanced meteorological forecasting combined with ground sensors to detect soil movement can provide timely alerts to residents, schools, and pilgrims.
- Pilgrim Safety Enhancements: The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board should continue upgrading pilgrimage routes with landslide barriers, proper drainage, and emergency shelters.
- Community Awareness: Educating local communities about landslide risks and evacuation protocols can help reduce panic and ensure swift response during emergencies.
- Rapid Response Units: Strengthening SDRF and local rescue teams with adequate equipment and training to deal with landslides efficiently.
Government and Public Reactions
Following the Poonch school landslide, Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family. He directed officials to ensure the best medical care for the injured and promised a thorough inquiry into the incident. The government also assured support for rebuilding the damaged school and improving safety measures across all vulnerable areas.
Similarly, the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board reaffirmed its commitment to pilgrim safety. The Board pledged to expedite infrastructure upgrades along the old and new tracks, including enhanced surveillance and real-time hazard monitoring. Local administration worked closely with the Army and disaster teams to restore normalcy on the pilgrimage routes promptly.
Conclusion
The loss of a young student and the injuries sustained by pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir due to monsoon-triggered landslides are tragic reminders of nature’s unpredictability in fragile landscapes. These incidents underscore the urgent need for sustained focus on disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and community safety.
As the monsoon season continues, authorities and citizens alike must remain vigilant and proactive to prevent further tragedies. Investing in safety measures today is essential to safeguard lives and preserve the spiritual and educational spaces cherished by thousands in the region.
