Srinagar, Jul 17 (KNO): The Amarnath Yatra was suspended on Thursday from Jammu and the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions. Despite this, over 9,000 pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave today.
An official, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said no fresh batch of pilgrims was allowed to proceed from Jammu towards the two base camps. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed additional personnel and machinery to carry out urgent repair and maintenance on the damaged tracks.
“Due to continuous rainfall over the last couple of days, critical repairs are needed on both routes. Therefore, no movement has been allowed towards the Holy Cave today. However, pilgrims who stayed at the Panjtarni camp overnight are being allowed to descend towards Baltal under the supervision of BRO and Mountain Rescue Teams. The Yatra is likely to resume tomorrow, subject to weather conditions,” said Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri.
This marks the first suspension of the Yatra this year from both Jammu and the twin base camps simultaneously.
As the weather improved, 9,020 pilgrims managed to perform darshan at the holy cave today. These included 6,345 male pilgrims, 2,232 females, 132 children, 112 sadhus, 12 sadhvis, and two transgender devotees. Additionally, 185 security personnel also paid obeisance.
Since the Yatra began on July 3, a total of 2,56,233 pilgrims have visited the holy cave, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army today rescued about 500 Amarnath pilgrims who were stranded because of landslides triggered by heavy rains, and shifted them to safer places.
"Yesterday around 7:25 pm, persistent rain triggered a landslide at Z Morh, between Rayalpathri and Brarimarg, resulting in the halting of Yatra movement and stranding a large number of pilgrims," said Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal.
"Responding to the situation, the Army detachment deployed at Brarimarg swung into action," he added.
Around 500 yatris stranded in the area were accommodated in tents and provided with tea and drinking water, adding, "Another 3,000 pilgrims found refuge in langars located between Brarimarg and Z Morh, which offered essential shelter and sustenance."
The Indian Army Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) rescued a critically ill stranded yatri by undertaking a manual stretcher evacuation under adverse weather conditions and safely transported the patient to Rayalpathri, from where an ambulance moved the individual for further medical care, he added.
The defence spokesperson said the camp director at Brarimarg and the company commander of the Indian Army are present at the site and have assessed the situation as stable and under control, adding that efforts continue to ensure the safety and well-being of all yatris in the area."
As per weather prediction, light rains at both Rayalpathri and Brarimarg are likely, and the Army remains on high alert to respond to any evolving situation, he said.
"These prompt actions are yet another testament to the Indian Army’s professionalism, dedication, and humanitarian commitment during Amarnath Yatra 2025, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with every pilgrim through every challenge", the spokesperson said—(KNO)