Widespread Heavy Rainfall Prompts Suspension of Major Pilgrimages
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have temporarily suspended the annual Amarnath Yatra alongside the holy pilgrimages to Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Shiv Khori shrines. The precautionary decision was taken following an explicit weather alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting moderate to heavy widespread rainfall across the Union Territory. To prevent any untoward incidents along treacherous mountain routes, the administration halted all onward movement of pilgrim convoys from major base camps across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
Amarnath Yatra Halted Across Both Pahalgam and Baltal Routes
The suspension of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra applies to both primary trekking tracks—the traditional Pahalgam route and the steeper Baltal route. Officials confirmed that no fresh batches of pilgrims are being allowed to proceed from base camps, including Nunwan, Chandanwari, and Baltal in Kashmir, as well as the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu. Highway security personnel have placed checkpoints along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Udhampur, Ramban, and Banihal to prevent pilgrim vehicles from heading towards the Kashmir valley until weather conditions stabilize and tracks are thoroughly inspected for safety.
Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori Yatras Put on Hold in Reasi
The adverse weather conditions have severely impacted pilgrimage circuits in the Reasi district of Jammu as well. Authorities at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board suspended trek registration and movement towards the Bhawan located in the Trikuta Hills. Announcements were made via public address systems at the Katra base camp advising arriving devotees to stay at their designated lodgings and avoid venturing out. Similarly, the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board issued a public advisory halting the pilgrimage to the natural cave shrine in Ransoo due to elevated risks of landslides and soil erosion triggered by continuous downpours.
Landslides, Flash Floods, and Advisory for Devotees
The IMD warning comes amid severe localized impacts across Jammu and Kashmir, including cloudbursts in forest areas, flash floods, and fatal landslides in border districts like Poonch and Rajouri. Over 3.76 lakh devotees have already paid their respects at the Amarnath cave shrine since this season’s pilgrimage commenced. However, with heavy precipitation expected to persist, administration officials have strongly urged all visiting pilgrims to strictly follow official advisories, stay in secure base camps or accommodation centers, and verify weather updates before planning further travel.
