Srinagar, Jul 25: Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for six days due to adverse weather conditions, with authorities announcing that the annual pilgrimage will temporarily continue only through the Baltal axis as repair and maintenance works are undertaken on the Pahalgam route.
Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said the recent rainfall had caused damage along the Pahalgam axis, necessitating urgent restoration and maintenance works to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
“Due to the recent rains, urgent repair and maintenance works are required to be carried out on the Pahalgam Axis of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. The Yatra shall continue through the Baltal Axis, for which adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage,” Garg said.
He said all necessary logistical and security arrangements have been made on the Baltal route to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of pilgrims while restoration work continues on the traditional Pahalgam axis.
The resumption of the pilgrimage comes after a six-day suspension imposed because of inclement weather, including heavy rainfall that affected track conditions and disrupted movement along the yatra routes.
Officials said the pilgrimage has so far witnessed an overwhelming response from devotees. As of Saturday, more than 3.95 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Holy Amarnath Cave Shrine, underscoring the peaceful and successful conduct of this year’s annual pilgrimage despite weather-related disruptions.
Authorities have advised pilgrims to follow official advisories and cooperate with the administration until the Pahalgam route is declared safe and reopened.
