Amarnath, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatras suspended amid weather alert

Srinagar, Jul 18: The annual Amarnath Yatra continued on Saturday with 16,039 pilgrims paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine, taking the total number of pilgrims to 3,76,779 since the pilgrimage commenced on July 3. However, amid inclement weather alert authorities suspended Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi Yatras temporarily as a precautionary measure.
According to official data, those who offered prayers on Saturday included 11,785 male pilgrims, 3,527 female pilgrims, 235 children, 103 sadhus, 19 sadhvis, five transgender devotees and 365 security personnel.
Meanwhile, the 17th batch of 3,632 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Saturday under multi-layer security arrangements and arrived in Kashmir.
Officials said the Baltal-bound convoy, carrying 1,008 pilgrims, departed at 2:40 a.m., while the Pahalgam-bound convoy, with 2,624 pilgrims, left at 3:12 a.m.
The batch travelled in 148 vehicles, including 82 buses, 17 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 47 light motor vehicles (LMVs) and two two-wheelers.
The batch comprised 2,650 male pilgrims, 858 female pilgrims, 104 sadhus, 19 sadhvis and one child. With this, the total number of pilgrims who have departed from the Jammu base camp for the ongoing Yatra has reached 1,12,760.
Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes from Sunday, July 19, following an adverse weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to an official statement, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
“In view of the forecast of inclement weather over the next few days and considering the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from July 19, 2026,” the statement said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said no onward movement of pilgrims will be allowed from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps from Sunday.
The administration said the Yatra will resume only after a comprehensive assessment of weather conditions and confirmation that both routes are safe for pilgrims. Fresh updates regarding the resumption of the pilgrimage will be issued in due course.
Meanwhile, in view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following forecasts indicating unfavourable weather conditions in the region. Devotees are advised to cooperate with the authorities and avoid undertaking the pilgrimage until further orders.
Pilgrims are requested to remain updated through official communication channels for the latest information regarding the resumption of the Yatra. (KNO)