Yatra suspended from Pahalgam, Baltal Base Camps

Srinagar, July 5: According to a Spokesperson of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, no batch of Yatris was allowed today to proceed to the Holy Cave either from Pahalgam or Baltal Base Camps on account of inclement weather, rain and over three inches snow fall in Sheshnag, Mahagunas Top and Holy Cave areas, and consequently the slippery condition of the tracks.

Considering that a number of patches on the Baltal-Holy Cave track have been affected by landslides, strict access control was being exercised to regulate movement of Yatris returning from the Holy Cave after Darshan. He said that 5684 Yatris performed darshan at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnathji on Saturday.

The Spokesperson, however, stated that 3588 pilgrims left from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal Base Camps this morning. No Yatra will be permitted from Jammu tomorrow (July 6) to enable the Board authorities to clear the backlog in Baltal and Nunwan Camps.

The Spokesperson also added that any decision to allow Yatra on either of the two routes tomorrow i.e. July 6, 2009 will be taken in the light of obtaining weather and track conditions and as such intending pilgrims are being advised to keep adequate flexibility in their travel programme and to extend full cooperation to the Board and the law and order agencies in enforcing regulations and measures aimed at ensuring complete safety of the pilgrims.(NAK)