Amarnath Yatra Faces Fresh Weather-Related Disruptions As Baltal Route Closed, Highway Traffic Suspended
In view of prevailing safety concerns, officials have continued to restrict movement on the Pahalgam axis and had been diverting pilgrims through the shorter Baltal route.
SRINAGAR: The annual Amarnath Yatra suffered fresh disruptions on Friday as authorities suspended pilgrim movement along the Baltal route due to adverse weather conditions and ongoing repair work on the track.
Officials said that no yatris were allowed to proceed towards the revered cave shrine from Baltal following heavy rainfall in the region, which affected the route and necessitated urgent restoration efforts. The pilgrimage had already been suspended on the traditional Pahalgam route to facilitate essential repair and maintenance work, leaving authorities with limited options to manage the movement of devotees safely.
In view of prevailing safety concerns, officials have continued to restrict movement on the Pahalgam axis and had been diverting pilgrims through the shorter Baltal route. However, the deterioration of weather conditions in the Kashmir Himalayas has further complicated pilgrimage operations. Over the past week, the region has witnessed intense rainfall, triggering landslides, flash floods and damage to critical road and communication infrastructure at several locations. Authorities have stressed that the temporary suspension is purely precautionary and aimed at safeguarding the lives of pilgrims.
The situation has also been aggravated by the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the vital all-weather road link connecting Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country. The highway, which had reopened earlier this week after weather-related disruptions, was once again shut to vehicular traffic on Friday due to mudslides and the persistent threat of shooting stones along the vulnerable Ramban-Banihal stretch. Officials said the route remains highly susceptible to landslides and falling debris, posing significant risks to commuters and pilgrims alike.
Despite the challenging conditions and repeated interruptions, the Amarnath Yatra has continued to witness an overwhelming response from devotees across the country. Official figures indicate that more than 4.5 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at Amarnath so far this year. Situated at an altitude of about 3,880 metres (13,000 feet) above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas, the shrine is among India's most sacred pilgrimage destinations and attracts lakhs of devotees annually under elaborate security and logistical arrangements.
Heavy rainfall lashed the Baltal base camp and surrounding areas on Thursday night and again during the day on Friday, triggering a minor flash flood at one location. Officials, however, confirmed that there was no loss of life or damage to property.
The impact of the rainfall was felt across several parts of Kashmir Valley on Friday, where widespread showers led to flash floods in a number of areas. According to officials, districts such as Budgam, Baramulla and Bandipora received significant rainfall overnight, resulting in localised flooding and disruption to normal life. While no casualties have been reported, authorities remain on alert as the weather system continues to affect the Valley.
In Bandipora district, heavy rains triggered flash floods in the Saderkoot Bala area, damaging roads and affecting public infrastructure. Muddy floodwaters entered the Government Primary School at Ganie Mohalla in Malpora, damaging classroom mats and forcing the suspension of classes for the day. In neighbouring Baramulla district, flash floods impacted the Brennar area of Sopore town, though officials said no major property damage was reported. Administrative teams have been deployed to monitor vulnerable locations and assess any emerging risks.
A report said that traffic on a stretch of NH44 was suspended to facilitate critical restoration and widening works between Udhampur and Banihal. The closure came after a batch of nearly 1,600 Amarnath pilgrims crossed the route from the Jammu base camp towards Baltal in the early hours of Friday. Traffic police issued an advisory stating that the movement of all vehicles would remain suspended between Jakheni in Udhampur and the Navyug Tunnel in Banihal to enable road restoration and debris clearance operations.
Officials said the decision was taken following requests from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), with district administrations in Udhampur and Ramban authorising the works in the larger interest of commuter safety. The ongoing operations include widening of the hill-side carriageway at Ladha and Samroli and the removal of loose, overhanging debris at vulnerable locations near Gangroo and Kishtwari Pather along the highway. Authorities have prohibited vehicles from proceeding beyond Nagrota towards Srinagar and beyond Qazigund towards Jammu until conditions improve and restoration work is completed.
Adding to the concern, the Meteorological Department has forecast widespread light to moderate rainfall across J&K over the next 24 hours, with the possibility of thunderstorms and brief spells of intense showers at isolated places. The weather agency has indicated that intermittent rain activity may continue until August 7, prompting authorities to maintain heightened vigilance and closely monitor conditions along pilgrimage routes and major transport corridors.
While the ongoing weather-related disruptions pose significant logistical challenges, officials remain committed to ensuring the safe conduct of the Amarnath Yatra. Restoration teams are working round the clock to repair damaged sections of the pilgrimage tracks and maintain road connectivity, while security and disaster response agencies remain on standby to respond swiftly to any emergencies arising from the inclement weather.
