SRINAGAR: The annual pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas remained suspended for the second day on Thursday. As many as 60,752 pilgrims had darshan of the self made ice-shivlingam till Wednesday evening.
Helicopter service from Baltal to holy cave was operational, an official said. The pilgrimage from shortest Baltal and traditional Pahalgam routes was suspended due to landslides triggered by rain and slippery tracks on Wednesday.
Three pilgrims were killed and as many injured in the landslides between Brari Marg and Railpatheri, the official said, adding that efforts are on to resume the yatra. Since repair work was going on and the tracks are slippery, the yatra remained suspended on the eighth day today.
The pilgrims, who were scheduled to return to base camp after having darshan at the cave shrine, have been stopped. The pilgrims will be allowed to start return journey once a green signal is received that track is safe for undertaking the foot journey.
Yatra on traditional Pahalgam track has also been suspended due to slippery hilly road conditions following fresh overnight rain. Even though the pilgrimage remained suspended from both base camps, 5,919 yatris paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas on Wednesday.
The official said that yatra from Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps remained suspended. The yatra was also interrupted during the first three days due to rain, landslides and slippery tracks.
A police spokesman in a tweet on official twitter account said that there was a minor flash flood on June 3 at Baltal. He said, ”A minor flash flood at Baltal car parking.
Men & machinery on job for dredging and creating additional flood channels. Camp area absolutely safe. Irrigation & Flood control Deptt machinery alert. Small vehicles being shifted to Truck yard at Sonmarg.” (AGENCIES)
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