Amarnath Yatra halted for a day after heavy rain damages tracks
Baltal/Pahalgam, July 17, 2025 — Authorities suspended the Amarnath Yatra for a day after two days of intense rainfall damaged key sections of the pilgrimage tracks. The rain caused landslides and made the Baltal and Pahalgam routes unsafe, putting the lives of thousands of pilgrims at risk.
Officials paused all pilgrim movement toward the Amarnath cave shrine, which sits at 3,888 meters in the Himalayas. They cited safety concerns after floods and debris swept through the mountain trails.
BRO Launches Emergency Track Repairs
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) quickly moved teams and equipment to the damaged zones. Their engineers began clearing landslides and repairing paths.
“Our priority is restoring safe access. Teams are working non-stop to clear debris and strengthen weak points,” a senior BRO officer stated.
Helicopters also surveyed the region to assist ground crews and spot unstable areas.
Woman Pilgrim Dies in Landslide, Three Injured
A landslide near Baltal claimed the life of Rukmini Devi, a pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh. Three others suffered injuries. They were part of a group caught near a slope that suddenly gave way.
Security forces and medical teams responded quickly. The injured pilgrims were flown to Srinagar for urgent treatment.
This incident has heightened safety concerns, especially with rain forecasts still in place.
Pilgrims Allowed to Descend but Not Ascend
While authorities stopped all upward movement, they allowed pilgrims near Panjtarni and the holy cave to descend safely. Supervised by Mountain Rescue Teams, these pilgrims walked down in small groups.
“We are moving yatris downhill with full safety measures. No one is allowed to proceed uphill until tracks are cleared,” said Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri.
Local police and CRPF jawans guided pilgrims along safe paths, ensuring crowd control and preventing accidents.
Weather Forecast Still Worrisome
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more rain in the next 24 hours. Heavy showers are expected in the higher reaches of Anantnag and Ganderbal districts.
Rescue teams from NDRF and SDRF remain on alert. Officials urged pilgrims to stay updated through verified sources.
Devotees Show Patience and Faith
Many pilgrims at the base camps expressed support for the decision to halt the yatra.
“We are here for Baba Barfani’s blessings. Our safety is more important than rushing forward,” said Rameshwar Prasad, a first-time pilgrim from Bihar.
Local volunteers and religious groups continue to run community kitchens. Shelters offer food, medical care, and supplies for pilgrims waiting for the weather to improve.
Yatra May Resume July 18
If weather conditions improve and BRO completes repairs, the yatra may resume on July 18. Authorities will review the situation before making an announcement.
Over 2.47 lakh pilgrims have already reached the shrine since July 3, when this year’s yatra began. The pilgrimage ends on August 19, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
Hotlines and Emergency Support Active
The J&K Disaster Management Authority has activated helpline number 112 for updates and assistance. Medical camps along both routes remain fully functional.
Officials reminded all pilgrims to carry RFID tags and avoid unregistered travel. Unauthorized entries pose risks during emergencies.
Final Word
The suspension of the Amarnath Yatra highlights how extreme weather continues to affect pilgrimages in the Himalayas. Authorities are working round the clock to restore routes and protect lives.
Pilgrims remain hopeful. With better weather and steady repairs, many believe the path to Baba Barfani will soon reopen.
