Amarnath yatra suspended a week before scheduled conclusion

Srinagar: The annual Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir concluded a week earlier than scheduled due to adverse weather conditions affecting the yatra routes, as announced by officials.

Originally planned to conclude on August 9, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, the yatra was suspended three days ago due to inclement weather. The administration confirmed that the yatra would not resume.

Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, stated, “Due to recent heavy rains, extensive repair and maintenance work is required on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. Given ongoing efforts with men and machinery on these tracks, resuming the yatra is not feasible. Therefore, the yatra will remain suspended from August 3 onwards on both routes.”

According to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, approximately 400,000 pilgrims visited the holy cave this year, though yatra numbers significantly declined in the past week.

This year witnessed heightened security measures with the largest deployment of troops for the yatra, prompted by a major terror incident in Pahalgam on April 22. In addition to the existing security presence in Kashmir, approximately 600 additional paramilitary companies were mobilised for yatra duties.