• Source:JND
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The annual Amarnath Yatra has been suspended from Sunday, nearly a week ahead of its scheduled conclusion on August 9, which coincides with Raksha Bandhan. Citing persistent bad weather and deteriorating conditions of the yatra routes, authorities decided to prematurely close the pilgrimage, Jagran.com reported

The yatra was temporarily halted three days ago due to heavy rains, and on Saturday, authorities announced that it would not resume from either of the two traditional routes, Baltal or Pahalgam, due to the unsafe condition of the tracks and the need for immediate repair work.

Amarnath Yatra 2025: Route Damage Prompts Safety Concerns

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri stated that the terrain has been badly affected by recent heavy rains, rendering the route unsafe for pilgrims. Both routes require immediate repair and maintenance, making it impossible to continue the yatra while deploying men and machinery for repairs.

Despite the premature end, nearly four lakh pilgrims managed to visit the holy cave shrine this year, according to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board data. However, officials admitted that the number of pilgrims had declined sharply last week, possibly due to weather-related disruptions.

Enhanced Security Measures After Pahalgam Attack

Security was significantly beefed up for this year's yatra following a major terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. Over 600 additional paramilitary force companies were deployed, making it one of the most heavily guarded pilgrimages in the country. Pilgrims were transported in tightly monitored convoys, and civilian movement was restricted on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway during convoy hours.



The Amarnath Yatra, with its roots in the discovery of the cave by Bota Malik in the 1850s, has historically symbolised Kashmir's syncretic culture.