Amarnath yatra resumes via Batal after rain-forced halt

JAMMU: The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed Saturday from Jammu after a six-day suspension forced by rain-caused disruptions, with a fresh batch of over 6,269 pilgrims leaving for the Kashmir cave shrine.The batch, 18th since the yatra started July 3, was flagged off in a convoy of 223 vehicles. “In view of inclement weather, authorities permitted movement of pilgrims only through Baltal, while the traditional Pahalgam route remains closed as a precaution,” an official said.The yatra was suspended on July 19 after heavy rainfall, landslides and unfavourable weather across J&K disrupted both routes -- Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal --leading to the 3,880-metre high Amarnath cave shrine.Officials said the pilgrimage resumed after weather conditions improved and traffic was restored on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, which had been blocked by landslides and shooting stones, particularly in the Udhampur-Ramban stretch.LG Manoj Sinha had flagged off the first batch of Amarnath pilgrims early this month. Multi-layered protection is in place, with all pilgrim convoys escorted by security forces. The 57-day yatra concludes on Aug 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.Meanwhile, Border Roads Organisation (BRO)has restored connectivity in Rajouri, Poonch and Reasi, the Jammu border districts where incessant rains triggered multiple landslides.Working on a war footing under Project Sampark, BRO launched a swift and coordinated response to ensure uninterrupted movement of security forces and essential supplies in the three rain-affected districts.“Working tirelessly under hazardous conditions, BRO teams successfully removed debris, stabilised vulnerable stretches and restored traffic on the affected routes in the shortest possible time,” Jammu-based defence PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said.According to the officer, the timely restoration underscores BRO’s unwavering dedication to maintaining strategic infrastructure in remote and border areas. “While essential connectivity on all roads has been restored, teams remain deployed to repair damages and ensure seamless movement of traffic,” Col Bartwal said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.