Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 21

The Amarnath Yatra remained suspended until further orders on Tuesday as heavy rain increased the risk of landslides, flash floods and shooting stones across Jammu and Kashmir, while pilgrimages to Mata Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori and Sarthal Devi were also kept on hold.

The Traffic Police said no vehicles carrying Amarnath pilgrims would be permitted to proceed towards Srinagar from Jammu, Udhampur or Ramban while the suspension remained in force.

The decision followed continued adverse weather and forecasts of further rain, with authorities prioritising the safety of pilgrims travelling through vulnerable mountain routes.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board also continued the temporary suspension of the pilgrimage to the cave shrine atop Trikuta Hills, citing persistent rain and unsafe track conditions.

Devotees were advised to postpone their journeys and rely on official information for updates on resumption.

The pilgrimage to Shiv Khori in Reasi district also remained suspended after heavy rainfall affected the route to the shrine.

Officials said the route would reopen only after weather conditions improved and safety assessments were completed.

In Kishtwar, the Sarthal Devi Yatra was suspended until further orders. District Magistrate and DDMA chairman Pankaj Kumar Sharma said continuous rain had increased the risk of landslides, flash floods, shooting stones and overflowing streams along the route.

The administration prohibited the movement of devotees towards the shrine and directed police and civil authorities to enforce the order.

Authorities said the suspension was a temporary precaution and urged people to disregard rumours and rely on official advisories.

The pilgrimages will resume only after weather conditions are assessed, road connectivity is restored and the routes are cleared by the relevant agencies.