Amid inclement weather, Amarnath Yatra continues in J&K
A police official present as NDRF personnel conducts a search operation for missing Jal Shakti employee Abdul Ghani, who was deployed at a gas station in Plangarh village when floods hit on July 19, in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday (July 25, 2026). | Photo credit: PTI
Amid inclement weather, the Amarnath Yatra returned from Baltal axis in central Kashmir on Saturday (July 25, 2026) after a six-day break. Meanwhile, the pilgrimage was also resumed at the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu.
Officials said a fresh batch of 6,269 pilgrims arrived at the Baltal base camp in Kashmir in a convoy of 223 vehicles.
“Due to recent rains, urgent repairs and maintenance work is required on the Pahalgam axis of Sri Amarnathji Jatra. The yatra will continue via the Baltal axis for which adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage,” Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said.
The Amarnath Yatra has two routes in Central and South Kashmir. The Pahalgam route is a longer trek (32 km) compared to the Baltal route (14 km) where pilgrims return in one day after visiting the cave shrine.
Nearly four million pilgrims have paid obeisance to the shrine in the cave so far this year.
“Recent rains have created conditions requiring urgent repairs and restoration work on the Pahalgam route. To ensure uninterrupted continuation of the Yatra, comprehensive arrangements have been made on the Baltal axis for safe and smooth movement of pilgrims,” said Mr. Garg.
Officials said the pilgrimage was also resumed at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra at Katra in Jammu division after it remained suspended for six consecutive days due to adverse weather conditions.
Over 22 dead
Meanwhile, a woman was killed and two other members injured in a house collapse triggered by incessant rains in Bhattian area of Thanamandi in Rajouri.
The deceased has been identified as Sahida Parveen, 45. Since July 19, over 22 people have died due to landslides and flash floods in J&K.
Published – 25 Jul 2026 21:58 IST