The Shri Amarnath Yatra faced suspension from Jammu towards Srinagar and Baltal on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions and ongoing restoration work on the pilgrimage tracks. Officials confirmed this decision aims to ensure the safety of devotees amidst heavy rainfall and potential further weather disturbances.
No fresh convoys were allowed to proceed from Jammu to the base camps. This restriction follows reports of track damage caused by incessant rains and deteriorating weather forecasts. The authorities prioritized safety by temporarily halting pilgrim movements on this revered pilgrimage route.
Despite the suspension, pilgrims who have already performed darshan at the holy cave can safely return towards Jammu. According to the Joint Police Control Room in Baltal, a total of 588 pilgrims, comprising 435 men, 83 women, four children, and 66 sadhus, travelled towards Jammu on Sunday morning in 53 vehicles.
The down convoy navigated through the Ramban-Banihal sector of National Highway-44 towards Jammu, indicating a significant human movement. Reports suggested that this convoy was still operational when the last updates were received.
In light of the current circumstances, authorities ordered the suspension of the pilgrimage from both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes on August 9. They cited recent rainfall and the resulting damage to the tracks as the primary reasons for this decision.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely. The Yatra is anticipated to resume only after conditions improve and affected tracks are declared safe for pilgrims. The safety of the devotees remains the top priority as the region anticipates further adverse weather.
