The Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, officials confirmed on Tuesday, July 30. This decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims amid adverse weather conditions.
According to officials from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), continuous rain has made the route to the holy Amarnath cave shrine slippery and dangerous, prompting authorities to halt the pilgrimage for the time being. “Pilgrim safety is our top priority. Once the weather improves and the path is deemed safe, the yatra will resume,” an SASB spokesperson said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an alert forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, which could potentially lead to landslides or flash floods in hilly regions.
So far, over 4.5 lakh pilgrims have visited the holy cave since the 52-day-long yatra began on June 29. The final leg of the pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 19, coinciding with the day of Raksha Bandhan.
Meanwhile, security forces and medical teams deployed along the yatra route remain on standby, assisting stranded pilgrims and monitoring the weather closely. Helicopter services have also been kept on alert in case evacuation becomes necessary.
Authorities have urged pilgrims to stay updated through official channels and avoid traveling without confirmation from the yatra control room or local administration.
The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most revered annual pilgrimages for Hindus, draws lakhs of devotees every year who trek through difficult terrain to reach the Amarnath cave, where a naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam is worshipped.
Photo Credit: HT
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