Amarnath Yatra Resumes via Batal Route After Weather Disruption
The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed on Tuesday via the Batal route after being temporarily halted due to heavy rainfall, officials said. The pilgrimage, which began on July 1, was suspended on Monday evening after rains caused slippery conditions and reduced visibility on the mountainous track.
The Batal route, one of the two main routes to the holy cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, was reopened for pilgrims after a brief clearance operation by the authorities. The other route, via Pahalgam, remained operational throughout the suspension.
“The weather improved significantly this morning, and after a thorough inspection of the trail, we allowed the yatra to proceed,” a senior official from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said. The board manages the yatra in coordination with security forces and local administration.
Thousands of pilgrims, known as yatris, had been stranded at base camps along the route. They were provided shelter and basic amenities, including food and medical assistance, officials added. No casualties or major injuries were reported during the halt.
The 43-day yatra, which commenced on July 1 and will conclude on August 11, attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country. This year, over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have already visited the shrine, according to SASB data.
The resumption comes as a relief for pilgrims who had planned their journeys for specific dates. Many had waited at the Baltal base camp since Monday evening. “We were anxious, but the authorities handled the situation well,” said Ramesh Kumar, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh.
Security arrangements along the route remain tight, with the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir Police deployed to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The yatra has historically faced security challenges, but no untoward incidents have been reported this year.
Meteorological officials have warned of possible light rain in the region over the next two days, but they do not anticipate a prolonged disruption. Pilgrims are advised to carry warm clothing and rain gear, as weather in the high-altitude region can change rapidly.
The Amarnath Yatra, dedicated to Lord Shiva, involves a challenging trek through rugged terrain. The cave shrine is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva explained the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. The yatra holds deep religious significance for Hindus and has been conducted annually for decades.
Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and are prepared to adjust schedules if necessary. Pilgrims are urged to follow all safety guidelines and cooperate with officials during the journey.
