Srinagar | July 17, 2025 —The annual Amarnath Yatra was suspended on Thursday due to heavy rainfall warnings issued by the Meteorological Department (MeT), prompting authorities to halt all pilgrim movement from Jammu to the Valley and from the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam to the sacred cave shrine.
Officials confirmed that no yatri batch was allowed to proceed today in view of adverse weather conditions predicted across the pilgrimage routes. “In light of the forecast for heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours in parts of Jammu and moderate showers across Kashmir, we have decided not to permit any further movement of pilgrims for the day,” an official said.
This precautionary measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of thousands of devotees undertaking the high-altitude trek to the 3,888-metre-high cave shrine in south Kashmir. The route, known for its rugged terrain and susceptibility to weather-related hazards, has often required authorities to take quick action in response to evolving conditions.
Since the Yatra began on July 3, over 2.37 lakh devotees have already had ‘darshan’ at the Amarnath cave, according to official records. With enthusiastic participation from across the country, the pilgrimage is on track to exceed the projected figure of 3.5 lakh visitors by its conclusion on August 9.
Jammu & Kashmir’s former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the overwhelming turnout and lauded the administration’s efforts in managing the event. “The devotion and discipline shown by the pilgrims have made this year’s Yatra exceptionally successful so far,” he noted.
The suspension comes as a timely reminder of the unpredictable Himalayan weather, often disrupting travel and posing risks along the steep and narrow paths. The twin routes—from Baltal in Ganderbal district and Pahalgam in Anantnag district—are frequently monitored by a multi-agency setup, including the Army, CRPF, and state disaster response teams.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of intense precipitation in the Jammu region, with potential risks of landslides and flash floods in hilly areas. Officials said the situation would be reassessed by Thursday night or Friday morning before deciding whether to resume pilgrim movements.
Meanwhile, security and logistical arrangements remain on high alert, with thousands of personnel deployed along the routes to manage crowd control and emergency response. Helicopter services have also been temporarily grounded due to low visibility and inclement conditions.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra holds special significance as it follows a series of efforts by the Union Territory administration and central government to improve infrastructure, accommodation facilities, and digital tracking systems for pilgrims. Despite weather-induced interruptions, the pilgrimage has so far witnessed a largely smooth and incident-free operation.
Pilgrims already stationed at base camps have been advised to remain indoors and avoid venturing out until the weather improves. Officials are providing regular updates via public announcements and social media platforms to ensure transparency and safety.
The Amarnath Yatra is one of the holiest annual pilgrimages in Hinduism, drawing lakhs of devotees every year to witness the naturally formed ice ‘Shivling’ inside the cave shrine, believed to be an embodiment of Lord Shiva.
While the temporary suspension may inconvenience some pilgrims, the authorities reiterated that pilgrim safety is paramount, and resumption will depend entirely on meteorological assessments and route conditions.
The Yatra is expected to resume once weather permits and safety is assured, with all stranded pilgrims being provided with accommodation and food at their respective base camps.
Reporting by The Political Observer
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