Amarnath Yatra Suspended Along Baltal Route, Fresh Batch Departs Jammu

Srinagar: The annual Amarnath Yatra remained suspended from the Baltal route on Friday due to inclement weather and ongoing track repairs, even as a fresh batch of 1,605 pilgrims departed from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas.
Officials said that the Pahalgam route was already closed for restoration, and the Baltal track was shut as a precautionary measure following continuous rainfall. A senior official emphasized, “The Amarnath Yatra has been suspended for today as a precautionary measure following continuous rainfall since yesterday. With rainfall continuing in the Baltal area, authorities have temporarily halted the pilgrimage to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Further decisions on resumption will be taken after reviewing weather conditions and the overall safety situation.” The 24th batch, comprising 1,215 men, 335 women, 48 sadhus, five sadhvis, and two children, left at 2:42 am in a 54-vehicle convoy, bringing the total base camp departures to 1,35,806. Despite track closures, around 4.5 lakh devotees have paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine since the 57-day pilgrimage commenced on July 3, which is scheduled to conclude on August 28.