Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended (Img: X)
New Delhi: The annual Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended from Jammu due to heavy rainfall and worsening weather conditions in the region.
Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims. No fresh batch of devotees was allowed to leave from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the Kashmir Valley on Saturday morning. Authorities said the yatra will resume only after reviewing weather conditions and assessing the safety situation along the pilgrimage routes.
The suspension comes amid continuous rainfall in Jammu and surrounding areas. The weather department has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall may continue in isolated areas till August 11.
Officials have also cautioned about possible flash floods and landslides due to the intense rainfall, creating safety concerns for pilgrims travelling through mountainous routes.
Despite the temporary disruption, the pilgrimage has witnessed a strong response this year. According to officials, more than 4.75 lakh devotees have visited the holy cave shrine since the yatra began on July 3. The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged commuters to remain patient as authorities manage traffic disruptions caused by rainfall-related challenges.
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He said the administration is continuously monitoring the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and working to clear areas affected by landslides. The chief minister also highlighted the need to balance movement of pilgrims with essential supplies, including fruit trucks and petroleum tankers.
Officials have advised pilgrims and travellers to stay updated with weather advisories before starting their journey. The final decision on restarting the Amarnath Yatra will depend on weather conditions and safety assessments by authorities.
