As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims, authorities on Thursday suspended the Amarnath Yatra following a forecast of heavy rainfall along the route. No movement of Yatris was allowed from Jammu to Kashmir Valley and also from the two base camps – Baltal and Pahalgam – towards the holy cave shrine.
Officials said, “Due to an adverse weather advisory predicting heavy rain along the Yatra route from Jammu to the Valley, as well as from the twin base camps to the holy cave shrine, no movement of Yatris will be permitted today.”
The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast widespread light to moderate rainfall in Kashmir and heavy to very heavy rain in the Jammu division over the next 24 hours.
Since the Yatra commenced on July 3, more than 2.37 lakh pilgrims have had ‘darshan’ at the sacred cave shrine.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that, given the overwhelming response and enthusiasm of the devotees, this year’s Amarnath Yatra is likely to surpass the expected figure of 3.5 lakh pilgrims.
The Amarnath Yatra will conclude on August 9.
(With inputs from IANS)