In view of the persistent rains and urgent track repairs, the 57 day long Amarnath Yatra has been suspended on both the Chandanwari and Baltal routes from 9th August.
The pilgrimage which began on the 3rd of July, was scheduled to conclude on the 28th of August, which is unlikely to resume this year. Safety concerns and adverse weather forecasts have been cited as the primary reasons for the suspension of the annual pilgrimage.
According to sources, the decision following the recent rainfall that caused significant damage to vulnerable stretches of the Yatra tracks. The Border Roads Organization has been tasked with repair and maintenance work while the Indian Meteorological Department predicted further adverse weather in the coming days, citing difficulties for the Yatra to continue.
Officials also mentioned that no new batches of pilgrims will be allowed to depart from Jammu base camp. The suspension applies to the Chandwari track in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in the Ganderbal district.
Since the inception of the yatra on July 3rd, over 4.8 lakh pilgrims have already visited the shrine. During the yatra, officials have noted the ice stalagmite or Shivlinga had melted earlier than its usual due to the inclement weather. Pilgrimage had already faced interruptions twice this season and multiple road accidents were reported, though no fatalities occurred.
“Due to the recent rains, a necessity for the repair and maintenance of the Yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches has been felt, which is being undertaken by Border Roads Organization (BRO),” said Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg.
Reports however indicate that Shahdi Mubarak ceremony will proceed via the traditional Pahalgam route, culminating the yatra on 28th August as per tradition.
Besides the Amarnath Yatra, other Himalayan pilgrimages have also been affected, which include the Kinnaur Kailash Yatra in the Himachal Pradesh, which will conclude earlier on August 15 due to similar reasons.
Elsewhere in Uttarakhand, heavy rainfall has caused rivers to swells and led to road closures. A widespread impact of the monsoon on pilgrimage routes and public safety is being highlighted.