Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, July 18, 2025 – The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed on Friday morning after a temporary suspension due to heavy rainfall, with the 16th batch comprising 7,908 pilgrims departing from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu for the holy cave shrine in the Kashmir Himalayas. The convoy, escorted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police, proceeded under stringent security arrangements following a day-long halt prompted by adverse weather conditions.The pilgrimage, which had been suspended on Thursday, July 17, 2025, due to heavy rainfall and a landslide incident along the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, saw renewed momentum as the weather improved. The 16th batch, consisting of 5,957 men, 1,613 women, 26 children, and 310 sadhus and sadhvis, left in 261 vehicles between 3:30 AM and 4:25 AM. Of these, 5,029 pilgrims headed for the Pahalgam route in Anantnag district in 169 vehicles, while 2,879 pilgrims chose the shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district in 92 vehicles.
The suspension on Thursday was a precautionary measure following a weather advisory from the Meteorological Department, which warned of heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, including the yatra routes. A tragic landslide on the Baltal route claimed the life of a woman pilgrim and injured three others, further necessitating the halt. Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bhiduri confirmed the suspension, noting that restoration work was carried out on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to ensure safe passage for pilgrims.
The Amarnath Yatra 2025, which commenced on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 9, has seen robust participation despite challenges, including a prior terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 civilians. Over 2.50 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine, which houses the naturally formed ice lingam dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since the yatra began, 1,09,461 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp, with more than 4 lakh people registered online for the 38-day pilgrimage.
Security measures have been significantly bolstered this year, with 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including the CRPF and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, deployed across the Jammu division. The routes are under aerial surveillance, and facial-recognition systems have been introduced to enhance safety. The Jammu and Kashmir Police issued an advisory urging pilgrims to travel in escorted convoys and avoid independent travel, particularly after a recent encounter with terrorists in Udhampur’s Basantgarh area.
In Udhampur, the first base camp at Kali Mata Temple welcomed pilgrims with enthusiasm, reflecting the region’s tradition of hospitality. Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai highlighted the arrangements, including 26 lodgement centres with a capacity to accommodate 6,500 pilgrims, ensuring preparedness for emergencies.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has emphasized environmental conservation, banning plastic use and promoting initiatives like Swachh Bharat and Swachh Teerth to maintain a pollution-free environment along the yatra routes. Pilgrims are required to carry RFID tags for safety and security and are advised to bring woollen clothing, raincoats, and waterproof shoes due to unpredictable weather.
Despite the challenges posed by rainfall and security threats, the pilgrims’ fervour remains undeterred, with chants of “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” echoing as they embark on their spiritual journey to the Amarnath cave shrine. The administration continues to monitor weather conditions and security to ensure a safe and seamless pilgrimage
