Srinagar, Aug 8: The Amarnath Yatra will remain suspended from both the Chandanwari and Baltal routes from Sunday in view of the need for repair and maintenance of vulnerable stretches of the tracks and adverse weather conditions forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The suspension comes after more than 4.8 lakh pilgrims had already visited the cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas.
The 57-day-long yatra commenced on July 3 this year simultaneously from the Chandanwari track in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district and is scheduled to culminate with the Chadi Mubarak ceremony on August 28.
"More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at the cave shrine so far. However, due to the recent rains, a necessity for the repair & maintenance of the Yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches has been felt, which is being undertaken by Border Roads Organization (BRO)," Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said.
He said adverse weather conditions had also been predicted by the IMD over the next few days, necessitating the suspension of the pilgrimage from both routes with effect from August 9.
Garg said the Chadi Mubarak would proceed through the traditional Pahalgam route and mark the culmination of the Yatra on August 28.
He appealed to all the pilgrims to adhere to the advisories issued by the competent authority from time to time in the interest of their safety and the smooth conduct of the Yatra.