Amarnath Yatra Suspended From August 9 Amid Rains, Repairs, Weather Alerts

Srinagar: Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, which began on July 3 and was scheduled to conclude on August 28 with the Chadi Mubarak ceremony, will remain suspended from August 9 on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes due to track restoration works and adverse weather forecasts.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, said more than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have already performed darshan at the Holy Cave Shrine.

“Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is carrying out urgent repairs at vulnerable stretches following heavy rains. Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted adverse weather conditions over the coming days, hence the suspension,” Garg informed.

However, officials clarified that the Chadi Mubarak procession will proceed through the Pahalgam route on August 28, marking the formal culmination of the 57-day pilgrimage.

“Safety must come first, but the suspension affects the livelihood of pony-wallahs, shopkeepers, and guides who depend on the Yatra season,” said Abdul Rashid, a Sonmarg resident.

Meanwhile, others welcomed the move, noting that “pilgrims should not be exposed to risky tracks during unpredictable weather”.

Authorities have appealed to pilgrims to strictly follow advisories. “Adherence to safety guidelines is essential for the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage,” Garg said.

Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir along with Ladakh recorded 35 percent excess rainfall in July, receiving 259.7 mm against a normal of 192.6 mm. Yet, officials stressed that the surplus masked sharp local variations, with rainfall intensity different even within districts.

“Several pockets, particularly in higher reaches, witnessed localised torrential rains and cloudburst events triggering flash floods and landslides, while nearby areas received drizzle or light to moderate rain. Some events were also accompanied by hailstorms and strong gusty winds,” Mukhtar Ahmad, Director Meteorology, said.

Meanwhile, the department linked the activity to the interaction between monsoon currents and feeble Western Disturbances (WDs), which created conditions for short-duration, high-intensity rainfall.