The annual Amarnath Yatra from the Baltal route faced suspension on Friday due to inclement weather and ongoing repair works on the track. Officials announced that pilgrims will not be allowed to proceed further towards the revered holy cave shrine currently.
Heavy rainfall lashed the Baltal area on Thursday night, causing a minor flash flood in one location. Fortunately, no casualties or property damage have been reported, according to the authorities. With safety as a priority, officials decided to halt the yatra to ensure the wellbeing of the pilgrims while repairs continue.
It is important to note that the pilgrimage has already been suspended from the Pahalgam route as well, also for necessary repairs. Authorities are working diligently to restore access on both routes, emphasizing that the safety of the devotees remains their primary concern.
The Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on July 3, 2023, has already seen approximately 4.5 lakh devotees visit the cave shrine, renowned for its naturally occurring ice lingam. This year’s yatra is expected to conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Officials are optimistic that with the repair work in progress, the yatra will resume soon, allowing devotees to fulfill their spiritual journeys. As weather conditions stabilize, updates regarding the resumption of the yatra will be shared through official channels.
