The Amarnath Yatra has been postponed until July 17 due to heavy rainfall and landslides. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Kashmir, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in South Kashmir over the next 24 hours.
Kashmir: The Amarnath Yatra, filled with faith and devotion, is currently grappling with nature's fury. Continuous heavy rainfall and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir have not only complicated the journey for pilgrims but also posed a threat to their lives. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for South Kashmir, warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.
Heavy rainfall and landslides on the evening of July 16 completely disrupted the Amarnath Yatra. A female pilgrim lost her life in the Railpathri area on the Baltal route in the Ganderbal district, while three others were injured. The deceased woman has been identified as 55-year-old Sona Bai from Rajasthan. The injured were treated at the Baltal base camp hospital and are now reported to be in stable condition.
Yatra Postponed for July 17
Considering the adverse weather conditions, the administration has decided to suspend the Amarnath Yatra for July 17. No new groups of devotees are being allowed to proceed from the base camps in Jammu, Baltal, and Pahalgam. However, pilgrims who have already reached near the Amarnath cave are being allowed to return via safe routes to avoid any risk.
Landslides and Bad Weather Worsen Situation
The landslide blocked the travel route in the Railpathri area, and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) immediately started removing the debris to clear it. The route was opened for a short time, but the journey had to be stopped again due to continuous rain. Similarly, traffic was disrupted on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to landslides, although it was later cleared and reopened.
Red Alert: Danger Forecast in South Kashmir
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in many areas of South Kashmir over the next 24 hours. This is attributed to the combined effect of an active western disturbance and monsoon winds. Due to this bad weather, there is a possibility of increased problems such as landslides in hilly areas, debris accumulation on roads, and waterlogging, which may affect travel and public life.
Over 2.47 Lakh Pilgrims Have Already Visited
Since the start of the holy Amarnath Yatra on July 3, more than 2.47 lakh pilgrims have visited the holy cave of Lord Bholenath. This yatra will end on August 9, the day of Raksha Bandhan. However, due to continuous rain and landslides, the yatra has had to be stopped several times, causing devotees to wait and the administration to exercise extra vigilance.
Administration Continuously Monitoring
The administration, security forces, health teams, and BRO teams are continuously monitoring the travel routes to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The state government and Shri Amarnath Shrine Board have urged all devotees not to pay attention to any kind of rumors and to obtain correct and up-to-date information only from the official website or control room.
Appeal to Devotees: Be Patient, Yatra Will Resume As Soon As Weather is Favorable
The administration has appealed to all devotees to remain patient and not panic, as the Amarnath Yatra will be restarted as soon as the weather improves and the routes are declared safe. Pilgrims have been asked not to believe any rumors, to follow safety instructions, and to keep getting the correct information from the website or control room of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.
