Kashmir Schools Shut, Amarnath Yatra Halted as Heavy Rain Threat Looms

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has extended school holidays in the Kashmir division by three days and temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra, following a forecast of adverse weather from July 20 to July 23. The decision comes as the region continues to experience a severe heatwave, with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 35.9 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

“It was a severe heat day in Kashmir today,” said Sonam Lotus, director of the meteorological department. However, he added that an adverse weather spell is expected from July 20 to July 23, with light to heavy rainfall likely in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir. This is due to moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, along with the shifting of the western end of the monsoon trough towards Jammu, north of its normal position.

A meteorological advisory warned that the system could cause landslides, mudslides, shooting stones, and flash floods in vulnerable areas along the Pirpanjal Range of Jammu and the higher reaches of Kashmir, including Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Gulmarg, Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Bandipora-Razdan Pass, and Kupwara-Sadhna pass. These conditions may disrupt surface transport on major roads, including the Jammu-Srinagar national highway.

In response to the forecast, the government extended the summer vacation for all government and recognized private schools in the Kashmir division and the winter zones of the Jammu division until July 22. The vacations were originally scheduled to end on July 19. “In view of the prevailing weather conditions, it has been decided to extend the summer vacation… up to 22nd July,” said Education Minister Sakina Itoo.

The Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, effective from July 19, as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims. “Updates regarding resumption of Yatra will be issued in due course of time after ensuring route safety and comprehensive assessment of weather conditions,” said Anshul Garg, divisional commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir.