Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 18

Authorities on Saturday suspended the annual Amarnath Yatra from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes from July 19 after the India Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain and adverse weather across J&K, prompting officials to prioritise the safety of yatris.

The suspension follows forecasts of widespread rainfall over the next several days, with the weather office warning of the possibility of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and cloudburst-like events in vulnerable mountainous areas along key travel routes.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said no yatri movement would be allowed from the Baltal or Nunwan-Chandanwari base camps from July 19 until authorities complete a comprehensive assessment of weather conditions and the safety of the pilgrimage routes.

He said the yatra would resume only after officials determine that conditions are safe for travel.

The temporary suspension comes midway through one of Hinduism’s largest annual yatras.

More than 3.70 lakh devotees have so far offered prayers at the Himalayan cave shrine dedicated to lord Shiva during this year’s yatra, according to official figures.