The annual Amarnath Yatra faced a significant setback as officials suspended the pilgrimage from the Baltal route on Friday. This decision arose from inclement weather and necessary repair work on the track.
Officials announced that the yatra was similarly suspended from the Pahalgam route for ongoing maintenance. The heavy rains, which began on Thursday night, triggered a minor flash flood at one location, though no casualties or property damage were recorded.
Due to the adverse conditions and the ongoing repairs, officials have prevented pilgrims from proceeding towards the holy cave shrine via the Baltal route. Currently, teams are actively working to restore safety for the faithful.
The Amarnath Yatra commenced on July 3 this year, attracting around 4.5 lakh devotees who have paid their respects at the cave shrine housing the naturally formed ice lingam. As the pilgrimage season progresses, many devotees eagerly await a chance to embark on this spiritual journey.
The yatra will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, marking a significant time for the pilgrims. The temporary suspension has raised concerns among the devotees, who now seek updates on the restoration of the routes.
