SRINAGAR: The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will remain suspended on both the Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam routes from August 9, in view of adverse weather conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and ongoing restoration of tracks damaged by heavy rains, officials said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the decision was taken to facilitate restoration and maintenance work on vulnerable stretches of both tracks and ensure the safety of pilgrims.
“The Yatra shall remain suspended from both the routes with effect from August 9, 2026,” Garg said, citing the adverse weather forecast for the coming days.
No fresh batch of pilgrims was allowed to travel from Jammu towards the Baltal base camp on Saturday in view of the weather conditions and the need to restore damaged stretches, officials said. The pilgrimage will resume after weather conditions improve and the tracks are restored for safe movement.
Garg said heavy rainfall over the past two weeks had damaged both Yatra routes at several vulnerable locations, making repair and maintenance necessary. The restoration work is being carried out by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
The traditional Pahalgam-Chandanwari route has remained closed since July 19 after a week of incessant rain and landslides damaged the track at various places. The Baltal route was also suspended from July 19 to July 24 because of heavy rainfall.
Despite the disruptions, more than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have visited the holy cave during the first 37 days of the 57-day pilgrimage, which began on July 3 from both routes.
Garg said the administration was closely monitoring the situation and would review the movement of pilgrims based on weather conditions and the status of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the main all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country.
The annual pilgrimage began simultaneously on July 3 along the Chandanwari route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The traditional Chhari Mubarak procession will travel through the Pahalgam route and mark the formal conclusion of the pilgrimage on August 28.
Garg urged pilgrims to follow advisories and directions issued by the authorities, stressing that adherence to safety measures was essential for the safe and smooth conduct of the Yatra.
