Jammu: The annual Amarnath Yatra was suspended from Jammu on Saturday as adverse weather conditions and a decline in the number of pilgrims prompted authorities to temporarily stop the movement of fresh batches towards Kashmir.
Officials said no new batch of pilgrims was allowed to leave Jammu for the base camps of the 3,880-metre-high Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir. The decision was taken as persistent rainfall affected parts of the region and concerns grew over the condition of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The highway, the main road link connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley, has witnessed disruptions in recent days because of heavy rain, landslides and shooting stones at several locations, particularly in the Ramban area. With the weather remaining unsettled, authorities are keeping a close watch on road conditions before allowing the pilgrimage to resume from Jammu.
The suspension is also linked to a noticeable decline in pilgrim arrivals. With the annual pilgrimage approaching its later stages, fewer devotees have been reaching Jammu compared with the peak period of the Yatra. Officials said the decision takes into account both the weather situation and the reduced number of pilgrims waiting to proceed.
Authorities have stressed that the temporary halt is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of pilgrims. The Amarnath route involves travel through mountainous terrain where heavy rainfall can increase the risk of landslides, flash floods and road blockages.
The administration is monitoring weather forecasts and the condition of the Jammu-Srinagar highway before taking a decision on the movement of the next batch. Pilgrims currently in Jammu have been advised to follow instructions issued by the authorities and avoid attempting to travel towards the base camps without clearance.
The Amarnath pilgrimage, which attracts devotees from across India every year, requires extensive coordination between the administration, security agencies, transport authorities and health services. Weather-related interruptions have occurred during the current Yatra as authorities have prioritised safety in the face of difficult conditions.
The latest suspension comes amid continuing rainfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials are expected to review the situation once conditions improve and the highway becomes safer for movement. For now, the focus remains on the safety of pilgrims already on the Yatra routes and those waiting in Jammu. Further movement from Jammu will depend on weather conditions, road safety and the assessment of authorities.
The administration has made it clear that pilgrimage movement will resume only when conditions are considered safe, with officials continuing to monitor developments closely.
