The Amarnath Yatra was suspended from Jammu on Thursday following an official weather advisory forecasting heavy rainfall across several regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities confirmed that no new batch of pilgrims was allowed to proceed from the Jammu base camp towards the twin base camps in the Kashmir Valley, PTI reported.
This precautionary measure comes just a day after a tragic landslide along the Baltal route in Ganderbal district claimed the life of a woman pilgrim and left three others injured. Officials cited safety concerns due to the inclement weather, prompting the temporary halt of the pilgrimage.
“This is the first time the yatra has been suspended from Jammu this year,” an official told PTI, adding that the suspension aligns with a two-day forecast warning of intense rainfall, including along the pilgrimage routes.
Since its commencement on July 3, more than 2.35 lakh devotees have undertaken the arduous journey to the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine. According to officials, 1,01,553 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp since July 2, when Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch.
Despite the suspension, enthusiasm for the pilgrimage remains strong, with over 4 lakh people registering online so far. Last year, the yatra saw a record turnout of more than 5.10 lakh pilgrims offering prayers at the sacred cave, which houses a naturally formed ice lingam — considered a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
The 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 9. Authorities are closely monitoring weather conditions and will resume the yatra once it is deemed safe for travel.
