Jammu / Srinagar, August 20: Less than hour after withdrawing statement on suspending annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra from August 23, the government repeated earlier announcement.
“Shrine Board authorities have informed that due to considerable reduction in the flow of pilgrims and the urgent repairs & 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 is not advisable,” government said in a third statement within two hours.
“Hence, 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.”
The 62-day long Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 2023 commenced on 1st July this year and it will culminate with the event of Chadi Mubarak on 31st August 2023.
The Yatra commenced simultaneously from both the routes – the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district.
“This year the Yatra has seen overwhelming footfall with more than 4.4 lakh pilgrims having taken darshan at the Holy Amarnathji Shrine so far.”
