Jammu & Kashmir Suspends Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Pilgrimages Over Bad Weather

The India Meteorological Department warned of heavy rainfall and landslides in Jammu & Kashmir from July 19‑23, 2026. In response, the Jammu & Kashmir administration suspended the Shri Amarnath Yatra on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes and barred any new departures from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. Simultaneously, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board halted the Vaishno Devi Yatra as a precaution.

Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said the suspension is “to ensure the safety and well‑being of the pilgrims.” Officials advised pilgrims to stay at designated camps and follow official updates. Over 3.7 lakh devotees have visited the Amarnath shrine since the pilgrimage began on July 3.

A separate incident on July 18 saw five Amarnath pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and a driver from Ganderbal injured in a road accident near Jakhani, Udhampur; they were taken to Government Medical College for treatment. The administration activated a 24‑hour emergency operations centre and urged residents and tourists to avoid hills, slopes and flood‑prone areas until conditions improve.