SRINAGAR: The annual Amarnath Yatra will continue through the Baltal route, while the Pahalgam axis has been temporarily closed to facilitate urgent repair and maintenance works following recent rainfall, the administration announced on Saturday.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the decision was taken after heavy rain affected sections of the Pahalgam route, making immediate restoration work necessary to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
“Due to the recent rains, urgent repair and maintenance works are required to be carried out on the Pahalgam Axis of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. The Yatra shall continue through the Baltal Axis, for which adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage,” Garg said in a statement.
He said comprehensive arrangements have been made along the Baltal axis to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the pilgrimage and the safe movement of devotees.
The temporary closure applies only to the Pahalgam route, while the Baltal axis remains operational for pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the pilgrimage has crossed another milestone, with more than 3.95 lakh devotees having paid obeisance at the Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine so far during this year’s Yatra, reflecting its peaceful and successful conduct despite weather-related challenges.
