Srinagar: The Shri Amarnathji Yatra has been suspended from July 19 after authorities halted pilgrim movement from both Kashmir and Jammu in view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of adverse weather, including heavy rainfall along the pilgrimage routes.
The suspension will remain in force on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, with no onward movement of pilgrims permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps from July 19 until further orders.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the decision had been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
“In view of the forecast of inclement weather over the next few days and considering the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from July 19. Accordingly, no onward movement of pilgrims will be permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps from July 19,” Garg said.
He added that the Yatra would resume only after a comprehensive assessment of weather conditions and confirmation that the routes were safe for travel.
In a parallel order, the Jammu administration also suspended the movement of fresh Yatra convoys from Bhagwati Nagar on July 19.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar said no convoy or vehicle carrying Amarnath pilgrims would be allowed to proceed from Bhagwati Nagar towards the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps due to the adverse weather forecast.
“No fresh batch of pilgrims shall be permitted to move from Jammu on July 19 towards Kashmir in view of the inclement weather advisory. Pilgrims are advised to remain at their designated accommodation centres in Jammu, Udhampur and Ramban and await further instructions from the authorities,” he said.
The decision follows forecasts of widespread rainfall, heavy to very heavy showers and the possibility of flash floods, landslides and disruption to surface transport across Jammu and Kashmir over the next several days.
Despite the temporary suspension, the ongoing pilgrimage has witnessed a strong turnout, with more than 3.7 lakh pilgrims having paid obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine so far this year.
Meanwhile, In view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following forecasts indicating unfavourable weather conditions in the region. Devotees are advised to cooperate with the authorities and avoid undertaking the pilgrimage until further orders.
Pilgrims are requested to remain updated through official communication channels for the latest information regarding the resumption of the Yatra.
