The annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra was suspended on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes on Wednesday due to continuous heavy rainfall across Kashmir. Officials confirmed that the suspension will extend to July 31, with no pilgrim convoys allowed to move from Jammu as a precaution against dangerous weather conditions.
The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu and Kashmir, announced the suspension on its official X handle, stating: “Shri Amarnathji Yatra has been suspended for July 30 from both Pahalgam and Baltal base camps.”
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, said early morning rain made the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari tracks unsafe, prompting authorities to restrict pilgrim movement toward the holy cave.
The DIPR further confirmed that no pilgrim convoys will be allowed to move from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on July 31 due to continued inclement weather. Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, said the decision to halt the convoy from Jammu was taken as a safety precaution.
“Due to heavy rains in the Yatra area, movement from base camps has been suspended. No convoy will be allowed from Jammu on July 31. Pilgrims will be updated accordingly,” he stated.
Despite weather-related disruptions, this year’s pilgrimage has seen a significant turnout, with over 3.93 lakh pilgrims having visited the holy cave so far, according to official figures.
Tragedy in Ramban: Two Teachers Swept Away in Flash Flood
In a related incident, two government school teachers lost their lives after being swept away by a flash flood in Ramban district. The deceased were identified as Jagdev Singh (37) and Sanjay Kumar (39), both residents of Ghordi village in Ramnagar, Udhampur.
Reports said the duo was returning home on a motorcycle after attending a training session at the DIET in Kud when they were caught in a sudden flash flood near Nathatop. Their bodies were recovered on Wednesday morning, approximately 300 meters downstream, after a local villager spotted their abandoned motorcycle at Jalebi Morh and alerted authorities.
Weather Forecast and Advisory
The Meteorological Department has issued an updated weather forecast and public advisory due to the prevailing weather conditions. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the MeT Department, said July 31 is expected to remain generally cloudy, with intermittent light to moderate rainfall across many areas.
“Some regions may experience intense showers accompanied by gusty winds. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated to scattered locations, especially in the Jammu division, including Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri, and Samba,” he said.
From August 1 to 3, the region is expected to experience generally hot and humid weather, with occasional brief showers or thundershowers in some areas. Between August 4 and 6, hot and humid conditions are expected to continue during the day, while light to moderate rain or thundershowers may occur late at night or in the early morning.
The MeT Department has advised the public to remain alert, warning of possible flash floods, thunderstorms, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones, particularly on July 30 and 31.
Authorities have urged residents, pilgrims, and travelers to exercise caution and strictly follow official advisories during this period of unpredictable and potentially dangerous weather. (Sources)
