Know why Amarnath Yatra had to be stopped
Srinagar . Due to incessant rains and landslides, the Amarnath Yatra has to be stopped once again. This step has been taken after heavy rains have caused landslides on the Yatra route. Landslides have occurred at two places in Banihal area of Ramban. After this the Jammu-Srinagar highway has been closed. Due to the falling of stones from the hills, the batch of Amarnath pilgrims from Jammu has been stopped as a precautionary measure at Chadrankot in Ramban.
Relief and rescue teams have been deployed to clear the way. Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police has said that the traffic on NH-44 in Mehed, Ramban has been stopped due to the falling of stones from the hills. The police have appealed to the people not to proceed until the permission is given.
Earlier, on Tuesday afternoon, there was heavy rain in the hills around the holy Amarnath cave, which led to a flash flood-like situation. In many places, the water started coming down rapidly from the mountains. After this, the officials immediately alerted the passengers and evacuated them and took them to Panjtarni camp. According to officials, there was no loss of life or property during this period. It is said that about 4 thousand passengers have been evacuated from there.
The flash floods amid heavy rains brought back memories of July 8, when 15 pilgrims were killed and 55 others were injured in a flood after a cloudburst near the holy cave. The tents and anchors around the cave were washed away in this flood. The relief and rescue operations went on for six days. So far about 2.5 lakh people have participated in the Amarnath Yatra. It is likely to cross the three lakh mark within a week. PLC/GT
