The Amarnath Yatra, the annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, has been temporarily suspended on the Baltal axis. This decision was made following heavy rains on August 11, which caused damage to the route. The suspension is to allow for urgent repair and maintenance work to be carried out, ensuring the safety of the pilgrims.
The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bhiduri, announced the suspension, stating that no Yatra will be allowed from the Baltal route on Monday. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of the pilgrims during the maintenance period.
While the Baltal axis is temporarily closed, the Yatra continues on the Pahalgam route. Further updates regarding the resumption of the Baltal route will be issued in due course.
The 52-day-long pilgrimage began on June 29 and is scheduled to conclude on August 19. The Yatra, organized by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, offers two routes for pilgrims: the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route. Baltal serves as a crucial camping ground for pilgrims, providing a base for their journey to the shrine.
