JAMMU, Aug 8: In view of adverse weather conditions forecasted by Indian Metrological Department (IMD) over next few days, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will remain suspended from Sunday from both the tracks of Baltal and Nunwan -Pahalgam.
In view of the restoration of track following its damage by heavy rains that lashed J&K during last two weeks, no Yatri was permitted from Jammu to proceed towards Baltal base camp on Saturday also. The Yatra will remain suspended till the condition of weather improves and the damaged tracks will be restored for pilgrims, the officials said.
The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg said that the Yatra on both Pahalgam and Baltal tracks has been suspended due to ongoing track restoration and maintenance work besides the inclement weather forecast made by the IMD.
He said both the tracks have been damaged due to heavy rains during last two weeks and the restoration of the same had become necessary for smooth passage of Yatra. Hence the authorities decided to suspend the Yatra from tomorrow to start restoration work and track maintenance.
It may be recalled that the Yatra from the traditional and longest Pahalgam-Chandanwari track is suspended since July 19 after the week -long incessant rains and landslides have damaged the track at various places. The Yatra from Baltal track also remained suspended from July 19 to July 24 owing to heavy rains.
The Divisional Commissioner said that 4.8 lakh pilgrims have performed Darshan at holy cave in last 37 days since the 57-day long Yatra started on July 3 from twin tracks.
“More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at holy cave so far. However, due to the recent rains, the need for repair and maintenance of the Yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches has been felt. The restoration work is being undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO)”, he said.
Garg said that the decision to suspend the pilgrimage has also been taken in view of the weather forecast issued by the IMD for the next few days.
“Adverse weather conditions have been predicted by the IMD over the next few days, hence the Yatra shall remain suspended from both the routes with effect from August 9, 2026”, he said.
Garg said that the traditional Chhari Mubarak procession would proceed through the Pahalgam route and mark the formal culmination of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra on August 28 this year.
He appealed the all pilgrims to strictly follow the advisories and directions issued by the competent authorities from time to time, stressing that adherence to safety guidelines is essential for the safe and smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.
The Yatra on July 3 commenced simultaneously from both the routes – the Chandanwari track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district.
Officials said the administration is monitoring the situation and will review the movement of pilgrims based on the weather and the condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country.
Meanwhile, on 37th day of pilgrimage, over 3000 Yatris performed Darshan at holy cave situated at an altitude of 3888 metres in deep Himalayas in South Kashmir district of Anantnag by this evening via Baltal track.
Officials said 3336 pilgrims drawn from different parts of the country performed Darshan at holy cave by Saturday evening. With this a total number of 4,80,004 pilgrims visited the holy cave till date.
Among them, the majority of pilgrims have returned to their home states while others are on the way.
Officials said that weather was cloudy during the day in the entire cave shrine area and it rained heavily after 2 pm but the Yatra proceeded smoothly.
