Why is the Amarnath Yatra Suspended Due to Heavy Rain Forecast?

Srinagar, July 17 (NationPress) As a preventive action to safeguard the Yatris, officials announced on Thursday that there will be no movement of pilgrims from Jammu to Kashmir or from the two base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam towards the sacred cave shrine.

Authorities stated, “In light of the adverse weather forecast predicting heavy rainfall along the Yatra route from Jammu to the Valley, as well as from the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam to the holy cave shrine, today’s movement of Yatris from Jammu to Srinagar or from the two base camps to the shrine has been halted.”

The Meteorological (MeT) department has predicted widespread light to moderate rain in Kashmir, with heavy to very heavy rain anticipated in the Jammu division within the next 24 hours.

Since the Yatra commenced on July 3, over 2.37 lakh Yatris have had the opportunity for ‘darshan’ inside the cave shrine over the past 14 days.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah mentioned that, given the enthusiastic response from the pilgrims, this year’s Amarnath Yatra is expected to surpass the previously anticipated figure of 3.50 lakh.

The Bhum Pujan ceremony for ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was conducted at Pahalgam on July 10. This sacred mace was brought to Pahalgam by a group of seers led by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, the sole custodian, from its home at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar.

After the ceremony, Chhari Mubarak was returned to its original location and is scheduled to be taken to the holy cave shrine on August 4, arriving on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

In light of the tragic attack on April 22, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, authorities have implemented rigorous multi-tier security measures for this year’s Amarnath Yatra.

An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to strengthen the existing forces of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police.

The Army has initiated 'Operation SHIVA 2025', deploying over 8,500 troops along with advanced surveillance and combat technology.

Security forces have ensured that all transit camps along the route to the two base camps and the entire path from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured.

Yatris can access the holy cave shrine, located 3888 meters above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, via either the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

This year, no helicopter services are available for Yatris due to security concerns.

The cave shrine is home to an ice stalagmite structure that waxes and wanes with the lunar phases, and devotees believe this symbolizes the divine powers of Lord Shiva.