Srinagar, July 08: The annual Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir has faced a setback as heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions have led to the suspension of the pilgrimage for a second consecutive day. The closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has prevented fresh batches of pilgrims from proceeding towards the holy cave shrine.
Various sections of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, including Mehar, Cafeteria Morh, T1, T2 (Keela Mord & Sita Ram pass), and Panthyal, have become inaccessible due to roadblocks caused by the heavy rain. Particularly, a significant portion of the road leading to the T5 Panthyal tunnel has been washed away due to the downpour.
Since the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra on July 1, over 80,000 pilgrims have visited the sacred cave shrine nestled in the South Kashmir Himalayas. However, the yatra was suspended on Friday due to widespread rain, especially along the traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the road damage caused by the heavy rainfall have posed challenges to the smooth operation of the pilgrimage. The safety of the pilgrims is of utmost importance, and the authorities have taken the necessary precautionary measures to ensure their well-being.
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The adverse weather conditions have made it difficult for the fresh batches of pilgrims to proceed from Jammu towards the holy cave shrine. The suspension of the yatra has disappointed many devotees who had planned to undertake this spiritual journey.
The authorities are closely monitoring the weather conditions and the state of the affected roads. Efforts are being made to clear the roadblocks and restore connectivity along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway as quickly as possible. Once the situation improves and the road is deemed safe for travel, the yatra is expected to resume, allowing pilgrims to continue their sacred journey.
The Amarnath Yatra holds immense religious significance for devotees who undertake the arduous trek to seek blessings at the holy cave shrine. The suspension of the yatra due to the inclement weather has brought about disappointment and inconvenience. However, the safety and well-being of the pilgrims remain the top priority, and the necessary precautions and arrangements will be made to ensure a smooth and secure pilgrimage experience.
As the weather conditions improve and the necessary repairs are carried out on the damaged road sections, pilgrims eagerly await the resumption of the Amarnath Yatra. It is hoped that the devotees will soon be able to embark on their spiritual journey, seeking solace and divine blessings amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir.
