Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 22

Major yatras in Jammu and Kashmir remained suspended on Wednesday as heavy monsoon rains triggered landslides, flash floods, and road blockages across the region, forcing authorities to prioritise the safety of thousands of devotees.

The Amarnath Yatra remained suspended until further orders, while yatrtas to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Shiv Khori, and Sarthal Devi were also halted.

The suspension came as the India Meteorological Department forecast further rainfall, particularly in the Jammu region.

Officials said no fresh batch of Amarnath Yatris was allowed to leave Jammu for the Baltal and Nunwan base camps as the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained vulnerable to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones.

No yatra convoy was permitted to proceed towards Kashmir from Jammu, Udhampur, or Ramban.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar said the decision had been taken to protect pilgrims from the risks posed by deteriorating weather and unsafe road conditions.

Yatris stranded at Yatri Niwas and transit camps were advised to remain at designated accommodation centres and await further instructions.

Authorities said arrangements had been made for food, drinking water, accommodation, and medical care for those unable to proceed.

The suspension of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has also sharply reduced activity in Katra, where hotels, markets, and yatra routes have seen a steep decline in visitors.

A fresh landslide was reported on the Ardhkuwari-Himkoti track on Wednesday.

No one was injured as the yatra had already been suspended and no yatris were present on the affected section.

The Shiv Khori Yatra in Reasi was also suspended because of continuing rainfall and concerns over the safety of the route.

In Kishtwar, the Sarthal Devi Yatra remained suspended until further orders.

District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar Sharma said persistent rainfall had increased the risk of landslides, flash floods, overflowing streams and shooting stones along the route.

Officials said the yatras would resume only after weather conditions improved, roads were restored, and the respective routes were inspected and declared safe.

Authorities urged devotees to rely on official advisories and avoid unverified information circulating about the resumption of the yatras.

People across the region were also advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly on vulnerable mountain roads, until the weather improved.