Amarnath Yatra Suspended: A Week of Repairs Amid Rainfall Disruption

The Amarnath Yatra, an annual pilgrimage, has been called off a week early due to urgent track maintenance prompted by heavy rainfall. Originally slated to end on August 9, the pilgrimage will be suspended starting August 3, as announced by authorities on Saturday.

Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, stated that the decision was made to address the 'critical repair and maintenance works' urgently needed along the routes from Baltal and Pahalgam. The downpour and subsequent need for repairs have forced officials to halt the pilgrimage activities on both tracks.

Despite the early termination, this year's pilgrimage saw over 410,000 devotees visiting the sacred cave shrine, although this number fell short of the 510,000 recorded last year. The decision to suspend the yatra highlights safety priorities amid environmental challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)