SRINAGAR: After recording an overwhelming footfall of more than 4.4 Lakh pilgrims, the shrine board authorities have decided to suspend the Amarnath Yatra temporarily from August 23rd in view of reduced pilgrim flow and track restoration works.
In a statement issued to the press, the Shrine Board authorities have informed that due to a considerable reduction in the flow of pilgrims and the urgent repairs and maintenance of the Yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches being undertaken by Border Roads Organization (BRO), movement of pilgrims on both the tracks leading to the Holy Cave has been restricted.
“The Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both routes with effect from 23rd August 2023. Chadi Mubarak shall proceed via traditional Pahalgam route marking the culmination of Yatra 2023 on 31st August,” it reads.
Amarnathji Yatra, that commenced on July 1st from the twin routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district, started to see a drop in the pilgrim footfall from July 23 after the naturally formed ice Shiv Lingam at the shrine started to melt.