The Amarnath Yatra has been suspended for Thursday from both the Pahalgam and Baltal base camps due to continuous rainfall over the last two days, officials confirmed. The suspension was announced as authorities began urgent repair work on the pilgrimage route, which was damaged by the persistent downpour, said Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri. “Due to the ongoing rains over the past couple of days, the tracks require immediate maintenance and repairs. Hence, no pilgrims will be allowed to move towards the Holy Cave from either of the base camps today,” he stated.

However, the Divisional Commissioner noted that pilgrims descending from the Baltal camp would be permitted, provided that sufficient security personnel are present. “Yatris who stayed overnight at the Panchtarni camp are being allowed to return to Baltal under the supervision of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Mountain Rescue Teams,” he added. Authorities expect the yatra to resume tomorrow, subject to weather improvements. So far, over 2.47 lakh devotees have visited the Holy Cave during the ongoing 2025 Amarnath Yatra, according to the Department of Information Public Relations (DIPR), Kashmir.

On Wednesday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed confidence in a record turnout, despite concerns following the April terror attack in Pahalgam. “At one point, it seemed the turnout would be low due to the attack. But we’ve reached 2.5 lakh so far, and if this continues, we could cross 3 to 3.5 lakh,” he said. The 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine, where devotees worship Lord Shiva, began on July 3 and will conclude on August 9.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.