Amarnath yatra resumes via Batal after rain-forced halt
The annual Amarnath Yatra has resumed from Jammu after a six-day suspension caused by heavy rainfall and landslides that blocked key transit routes. Pilgrims are currently being routed exclusively through the Baltal path, while the traditional Pahalgam route remains closed as a safety precaution.
Why it matters
The pilgrimage is a significant cultural and religious event in India, and its resumption highlights the logistical challenges of managing mass movement in mountainous terrain during monsoon season.
JAMMU: The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed Saturday from Jammu after a six-day suspension forced by rain-caused disruptions, with a fresh batch of over 6,269 pilgrims leaving for the Kashmir cave shrine.The batch, 18th since the yatra started July 3, was flagged off in a convoy of 223 vehicles. “In view of inclement weather, authorities permitted movement of pilgrims only through Baltal, while the traditional Pahalgam route remains closed as a precaution,” an official said.The yatra was suspended on July 19 after heavy rainfall, landslides and unfavourable weather across J&K disrupted both routes -- Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal --leading to the 3,880-metre high Amarnath cave shrine.Officials said the pilgrimage resumed after weather conditions improved and traffic was restored on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which had been blocked by landslides and shooting stones, particularly in the Udhampur-Ramban stretch.LG Manoj Sinha had flagged off the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims…
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