Multiple Landslides, Heavy Rain Force Day-Long Suspension of Amarnath Yatra from Baltal and Pahalgam
Srinagar, July 17, KNT: The annual Amarnath Yatra was suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps on Thursday after inclement weather triggered multiple landslides and caused damage to the pilgrimage tracks, prompting authorities to pause the movement of yatris for safety reasons. The decision to suspend the pilgrimage was taken after continuous rainfall battered the upper reaches of the Kashmir Himalayas, making the trek routes to the Holy Cave shrine unsafe for travel.
Officials said that no yatri was allowed to proceed from either Baltal in Ganderbal district or Pahalgam in Anantnag district due to high risk posed by slippery and broken tracks. Heavy rains had rendered several sections of the pilgrimage path unstable, particularly on the Baltal axis.
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An official said that the pilgrimage was halted for the day due to the bad weather and the resulting damage to the tracks. He told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) was carrying out urgent repair work and rescue teams were stationed across the route to ensure the safety of pilgrims. He expressed hope that the yatra would likely resume on Friday, July 18, provided the weather improves and the tracks are restored.
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Meanwhile, authorities facilitated the descent of pilgrims who had already reached Panchtarni. “Pilgrims present at Panchtarni were allowed to descend toward Baltal under the supervision of the Mountain Rescue Teams and BRO,” officials added.
Since the commencement of this year’s yatra on July 3, over 2.47 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Holy Cave, despite intermittent rain and harsh terrain. The administration has repeatedly urged pilgrims to adhere to official advisories and avoid taking unnecessary risks amid fluctuating weather conditions.
Authorities have assured that all arrangements are in place to resume the yatra as soon as weather conditions stabilize and the tracks are deemed safe for travel. [KNT]
