Jammu: The Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and Shri Shiv Khori pilgrimage continued to remain suspended on Monday as authorities maintained restrictions in view of adverse weather conditions and the forecast of widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir.
The pilgrimages were suspended on Sunday as a precautionary measure following an advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which predicted moderate to widespread rainfall across the Union Territory between July 19 and 23.
Officials said the decision to keep the yatras halted was taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims amid the possibility of landslides, slippery tracks, poor visibility and other weather-related challenges.
The annual Amarnath Yatra continued to remain suspended from both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
Officials said no fresh movement of pilgrims was allowed from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps in Kashmir, while the pilgrimage also remained stopped from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
“In view of the inclement weather forecast issued by the IMD, Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from all base camps, including the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims,” officials said.
The authorities said a decision on resumption of the pilgrimage would be taken after assessing weather conditions and ensuring that all routes are safe for movement.
The Amarnath pilgrimage, which started on July 3, has witnessed a large turnout this year, with more than 3.76 lakh pilgrims already having paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine before the suspension.
The Mata Vaishno Devi yatra at Trikuta hills in Reasi district also remained suspended as authorities continued to monitor the situation.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board said the decision was taken after the IMD issued an advisory forecasting heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides in the region.
“In view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the IMD, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims,” the Shrine Board said.
Officials said the track conditions, weather situation and safety arrangements were being continuously reviewed before allowing the pilgrimage to resume.
Several pilgrims who had reached Katra expressed disappointment over the suspension but supported the decision, saying safety should come first during extreme weather.
Many devotees recalled the tragic landslide on the Vaishno Devi track in August last year, which claimed 32 lives and injured 20 others, and said precautionary measures were necessary during heavy rains.
Pilgrims said they would wait for improvement in weather conditions and resume their journey once the administration gives clearance.
The pilgrimage to the Shri Shiv Khori shrine in Ransoo area of Reasi district also continued to remain suspended.
The shrine authorities advised devotees to postpone their visit until further notice, citing safety concerns due to rainfall and deteriorating weather conditions.
Officials said the situation was being monitored continuously and the decision to resume the pilgrimage would be taken after improvement in weather conditions.
The Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall activity across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, with officials warning of possible disruptions due to heavy showers in vulnerable areas.
Authorities involved in managing the pilgrimages said safety assessments of routes, tracks and other facilities would be carried out before allowing the movement of devotees.
Officials have urged pilgrims to avoid travelling to the shrine areas until fresh advisories are issued and to follow updates only through official channels.
The administration said all necessary arrangements would be restored immediately once weather conditions become favourable and routes are declared safe for pilgrims.
