AmarnathYatra – Amarnath Pilgrimage Restarts After Six-Day Weather-Related Suspension
AmarnathYatra – The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for six days because of persistent rainfall and adverse weather across Jammu and Kashmir. With conditions showing signs of improvement, authorities permitted a fresh convoy of pilgrims to leave the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu under strict security arrangements. The decision followed a detailed review of weather forecasts and the condition of the pilgrimage routes to ensure the safety of devotees.
Administration Restores Pilgrim Movement
The Jammu and Kashmir administration had halted the pilgrimage on July 19 after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of intense rainfall across the Union Territory. The precautionary suspension covered both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, with officials prioritizing the safety of thousands of pilgrims heading to the sacred cave shrine.
On Saturday morning, the convoy departed from Jammu and successfully crossed Udhampur while moving towards the Kashmir Valley. Officials confirmed that pilgrims travelling from the Jammu base camp are currently being allowed to proceed only through the Baltal route, which has been assessed as suitable for movement after recent inspections.
Pahalgam Route Remains Closed
While the pilgrimage has resumed, authorities have not reopened the traditional Pahalgam route. Continuous rainfall has affected the trekking path in that sector, making travel unsafe. Officials stated that the route will remain closed until weather conditions improve and the track is declared secure for pilgrims.
The administration continues to monitor rainfall, road conditions, and the overall safety situation before making any further decisions regarding reopening the alternative route.
Annual Pilgrimage Continues Until August
The 57-day Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Every year, the pilgrimage attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of India who travel to the revered cave shrine located in the Himalayas of south Kashmir.
Authorities have maintained extensive security, medical support, and logistical arrangements throughout the Yatra to ensure a safe and organized pilgrimage despite weather-related challenges.
Heavy Rain Continues to Affect Doda District
Even as the pilgrimage resumed, heavy rainfall continued to disrupt normal life in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Doda district. Officials reported that the Doda-Pul Doda Road and the Pul Doda-Ghat GMC Road have been temporarily closed due to the impact of continuous rain. Several connecting roads have also become inaccessible.
Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal said the administration is closely monitoring the situation as rivers and streams across the district continue to flow above normal levels. As a precaution, residents living in low-lying areas near riverbanks were shifted to safer locations after water levels increased.
According to district officials, 56 interior roads remain blocked because of the ongoing rainfall, while restoration and clearance work is being carried out to restore connectivity as quickly as possible.
Rising Water Levels Prompt Preventive Measures
The prolonged spell of rain has also led to a rise in the water level of the Jhelum River. In Ramban district, authorities opened several gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project dam to regulate the increased inflow and maintain safe water levels.
Officials continue to monitor weather forecasts, river conditions, and road connectivity across the region. The administration has urged residents and pilgrims to follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel in areas affected by heavy rainfall until conditions stabilize.