Jammu, July 20: Heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has forced authorities to temporarily suspend major pilgrimages, including the Shri Amarnath Yatra and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of devotees. The decision was taken following continuous rain, flash floods, landslides, and forecasts of more adverse weather in the region.
The Shri Amarnath Yatra has been halted from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of widespread heavy rainfall. Officials said no fresh batch of pilgrims will be allowed to proceed until weather conditions improve and the routes are declared safe.
Similarly, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in Reasi district has also been temporarily suspended due to incessant rainfall and the risk of landslides along the pilgrimage track. Hundreds of pilgrims were advised to remain at designated shelters while authorities monitored the situation closely.
Heavy rains have triggered flash floods and landslides in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Rajouri and Poonch districts, disrupting road connectivity and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. Rescue teams from the administration, SDRF, NDRF, police, and other agencies have been deployed in the affected areas to carry out relief and rescue operations.
Authorities have urged pilgrims and tourists to strictly follow official advisories and avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions stabilize. The administration stated that both pilgrimages will resume only after a thorough assessment of the routes and once safety can be ensured for all devotees.
