Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 8
The annual Amarnath Yatra will remain suspended from both routes from August 9 as authorities carry out repairs to weather-damaged sections of the tracks and prepare for further adverse weather.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg urged pilgrims to follow safety advisories issued by the authorities during the remainder of the pilgrimage period.
More than 480,000 yatris have so far visited the Amarnath Cave shrine this year, according to officials.
The yatra began on July 3, with pilgrims using two routes: the Chandanwari track in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Recent rainfall has damaged vulnerable sections of the pilgrimage tracks, creating a need for repair and maintenance work. The Border Roads Organisation is carrying out the work, authorities said.
The suspension also comes amid forecasts by the India Meteorological Department of adverse weather over the coming days.
Garg said the traditional Chadi Mubarak procession would proceed through the Pahalgam route and mark the formal culmination of the pilgrimage on Aug. 28.
The 57-day yatra was scheduled to conclude with the Chadi Mubarak ceremony after its July 3 start.
Authorities have urged pilgrims and those involved in the pilgrimage to follow official instructions as weather and track conditions remain under close watch.
