Pilgrimages Halted for Safety
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced the temporary suspension of the annual Amarnath Yatra, alongside pilgrimages to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Shiv Khori shrines. This precautionary measure comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a forecast predicting widespread heavy rainfall across the region over the coming days.
The decision to halt these significant religious journeys prioritizes the safety of pilgrims, especially following recent reports of severe weather. Earlier today, at least eight people tragically lost their lives, and six others remain missing, after torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.
Amarnath Yatra Suspended from All Routes
The Amarnath Yatra, a critical pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine, has been suspended from both its traditional routes: Pahalgam and Baltal. Officials have confirmed that no new movement of pilgrims will be permitted from the base camps in Kashmir (Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari) or the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu until further notice. This suspension aims to mitigate risks associated with deteriorating weather conditions along the challenging mountain paths.
Since the annual yatra commenced on July 3, more than 3.76 lakh pilgrims have successfully offered prayers at the Amarnath cave shrine. Updates regarding the resumption of the yatra will be issued only after comprehensive route safety assessments and a thorough review of the weather situation.
Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori Also Affected
The IMD's severe weather advisory also prompted authorities to suspend the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Reasi district. The Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, located in Ransoo, has similarly advised devotees to postpone their travel plans. Officials urged pilgrims to rely solely on official channels for updates and to check the latest advisories before attempting to visit, as the situation remains under constant review.
IMD Forecast Prompts Precautionary Measures
The suspensions were enacted after rain lashed various parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with several cloudbursts reported in forest areas of Kashmir. The IMD has forecast moderate to widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to July 23. A final decision on resuming all three pilgrimages—Amarnath, Vaishno Devi, and Shiv Khori—will be made only after weather conditions significantly improve and fresh safety assessments are completed.