Why in news?
A cloudburst in the Chosoti area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir triggered flash floods and landslides, killing at least twelve people. Rescue operations are ongoing and the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage has been suspended.
About Kishtwar
Kishtwar is a mountainous district in the eastern part of Jammu division. It lies on the southern slopes of the Greater Himalayas at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 4,800 metres. Known as the “Land of Sapphire, Saffron and Shrines,” the district has dense forests, steep valleys and snow‑capped peaks.
Tourism and pilgrimage
The region is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples and adventure trekking routes. The Machail Mata temple, dedicated to a form of Goddess Durga, is situated near the Chenab river and attracts thousands of pilgrims during the annual Chhadi Yatra that started in 1987.
Environmental vulnerabilities
Like much of the Himalayas, Kishtwar is prone to cloudbursts, landslides and earthquakes due to its fragile geology, steep slopes and intense rainfall. The latest disaster underscores the need for improved weather forecasting, early‑warning systems and resilient infrastructure in mountain regions.