The state government has alerted the Army, air force and other agencies to meet any eventuality in light of the inclement weather along the twin mountain treks, north Kashmir Baltel and south Kashmir Pahalgam to the Himalayan cave shrine of Amarnath.
"In view of the sudden change in weather conditions and special weather advisory forecasting heavy rainfall along the entire yatra area, the forward movement of the yatris from Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni towards the holy cave was stopped immediately, around 12.30 pm on Friday," a statement issued by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board said.
Chief executive officer, SASB, R K Goyal in a statement said the decision has been taken to ensure the safety and security of the yatris.
He stated that the Army, Air Force and other agencies have been put on alert in view of the abrupt change in weather conditions and the expected heavy rains in the yatra area, to provide the required support to the pilgrims, in case of any emerging situation.
The yatris have been advised to remain confined to their respective camps and those enroute must reach the nearest camp locations in view of the likely heavy rains to avoid any inconvenience to them.
Meanwhile, the state governor, N N Vohra, who is the chairman of SASB, has directed half hourly monitoring of the situation in the yatra area.
