3.76 lakh pilgrims pay obeisance at holy cave shrine in 16 days
Srinagar, Jul 18: The annual Amarnath Yatra continued on Saturday with 16,039 pilgrims paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine, taking the total number of pilgrims to 3,76,779 since the pilgrimage commenced on July 3. However, amid inclement weather alert authorities suspended Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi Yatras temporarily as a precautionary measure.
According to official data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), those who offered prayers on Saturday included 11,785 male pilgrims, 3,527 female pilgrims, 235 children, 103 sadhus, 19 sadhvis, five transgender devotees and 365 security personnel.
3,632 PILGRIMS ARRIVE IN KASHMIR
Meanwhile, the 17th batch of 3,632 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Saturday under multi-layer security arrangements and arrived in Kashmir.
Officials said the Baltal-bound convoy, carrying 1,008 pilgrims, departed at 2:40 a.m., while the Pahalgam-bound convoy, with 2,624 pilgrims, left at 3:12 a.m.
The batch travelled in 148 vehicles, including 82 buses, 17 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 47 light motor vehicles (LMVs) and two two-wheelers.
The batch comprised 2,650 male pilgrims, 858 female pilgrims, 104 sadhus, 19 sadhvis and one child. With this, the total number of pilgrims who have departed from the Jammu base camp for the ongoing Yatra has reached 1,12,760.
AMARNATH YATRA SUSPENDED TEMPORARILY
Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes from Sunday, July 19, following an adverse weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
According to an official statement, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
“In view of the forecast of inclement weather over the next few days and considering the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, the Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from July 19, 2026,” the statement said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said no onward movement of pilgrims will be allowed from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps from Sunday.
The administration said the Yatra will resume only after a comprehensive assessment of weather conditions and confirmation that both routes are safe for pilgrims. Fresh updates regarding the resumption of the pilgrimage will be issued in due course.
SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI YATRA SUSPENDED
Meanwhile, in view of the inclement weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following forecasts indicating unfavourable weather conditions in the region. Devotees are advised to cooperate with the authorities and avoid undertaking the pilgrimage until further orders.
Pilgrims are requested to remain updated through official communication channels for the latest information regarding the resumption of the Yatra—(KNO).
Heavy rain alert from July 19 to 23
Jammu Tawi, Jul 18: The Meteorological Department (MeT) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Jammu and Kashmir from July 19 to 23, warning of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging, with the Jammu region expected to receive the heaviest downpour.
According to the MeT, July 18 will remain generally hot and humid, with brief spells of rain or intense thundershowers at scattered places during the late afternoon, night and early morning hours.
A prolonged wet spell is forecast from July 19 to 23, with generally cloudy skies and intermittent rain and thundershowers likely at most places across the Union Territory. The department has warned of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts during this period.
Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar, while Reasi and Udhampur are likely to witness extremely heavy rainfall, particularly during late afternoon, evening and night or early morning hours.
The weather is expected to improve from July 24 to 27, with only isolated spells of rain or thundershowers forecast at a few places.
The MeT has cautioned that the intense rainfall may trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas. It also warned of a significant rise in water levels in rivers and streams, increasing the risk of minor flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Authorities have advised residents to remain alert, plan travel carefully and stay updated on weather advisories. Farmers have also been urged to suspend agricultural operations between July 19 and 23 in view of the expected adverse weather conditions. (Agencies)
