Kashmir: Amarnath yatra resumes as weather improves in Valley

After a brief halt, Amarnath yatra resumed from both - Baltal and Pahalgam routes - as weather condition in Jammu and Kashmir improved on Saturday. Apart from the on-foot routes, the administration also resumed air sorties from Baltal base camp.

Earlier, the yatra was suspended from Baltal and Pahalgam route due to the landslides triggered by heavy rains. Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel were there on the ground, helping the pilgrims cross difficult terrain.

Valley has been receiving incessant rainfall for the last few days. The downpour, however, intensified on Friday which triggered landslides in several areas falling on the Amarnath yatra route.

Over 5,000 pilgrims from across the country had reached to the state to participate in the yatra to the 3,880-metre high cave shrine of Amarnath in the Himalayas of militancy-hit south Kashmir.

The yatra was started from Baltal base camp in Jammu from June 28. The pilgrims, however, faced disruption at regular interval due to rains and inclement weather situation.

Also Read | Flood alert in Jammu and Kashmir as Jhelum flows above critical mark; school closed

Meanwhile, Jhelum river in the Anantnag district of the state was flowing above the critical mark of 21-feet. Authorities sounded a flood alert and schools in south Kashmir remained closed on Saturday.

Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Syed Abid Rasheed Shah asked people, living in the low lying areas besides the river to remain vigilant and ready for evacuation.