Amarnath Yatra Latest Update: Amarnath Yatra Stopped Due to Heavy Rains, Highway Closed Due to Landslide
INVC NEWS
jammu and Srinagar : The Amarnath Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in the Jammu and Kashmir region, has been disrupted due to heavy rainfall and landslides. This unforeseen event has led to the temporary suspension of vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Mughal Road, as well as the halting of train services between Banihal and Qazigund stations. In this article, we provide you with the latest updates on the situation and the impact it has had on the pilgrimage.
Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides
Several incidents of landslides have been reported at various locations, including Mehar, Cafeteria Mor, Keela Mor, Sita Ram Pasi, and Panthiyal of Ramban. These areas are situated on the all-weather national highway that connects Kashmir with the rest of the country. The Panthiyal tunnel has been affected, with a portion of the road leading to it being washed away. Despite the incessant rains, authorities are diligently working to clear the road and repair the affected stretches. However, it is strongly advised that people refrain from traveling on the highway until the work is completed for safety reasons.
Impact on Mughal Road
The Mughal Road, an alternate link road connecting the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri with Shopian district in south Kashmir, has also been affected by landslides near Rata Chambh in Poonch district. Road clearing agencies are tirelessly working towards the early restoration of traffic on this route. Due to water-logging on the railway tracks near Hilar, train services between Banihal and Qazigund have been suspended for the day.
Amarnath Yatra Postponed
Due to continuous rainfall in various parts of Kashmir, the Amarnath Yatra has been postponed for the second consecutive day. Both routes – Pahalgam and Baltal – have been affected by adverse weather conditions, leading to the suspension of the pilgrimage. Devotees were not allowed to proceed towards the Amarnath cave, and fresh batches of pilgrims from Jammu were also prohibited from embarking on their journey due to the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway caused by landslides.
Weather Forecast and Pilgrim Count
The local meteorological department has predicted moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir until Sunday, attributing the weather conditions to monsoon winds and western disturbances. Meanwhile, the number of pilgrims who have visited the revered Baba Barfani has already crossed 80,000. The 62-day annual pilgrimage, which began on July 1, is set to conclude on August 31. Pilgrims can access the cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the south Kashmir Himalayas, through both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
Conclusion
The recent heavy rains and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir have significantly impacted the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. The authorities have taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims and restore normalcy in the region as quickly as possible. It is essential for travelers to stay updated with the latest information and adhere to the instructions provided by the concerned authorities. We hope for improved weather conditions and the resumption of the pilgrimage for devotees to pay their respects at the sacred Amarnath cave.
