India News : The annual Amarnath Yatra, along with the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, Shiv Khori Yatra, and Machail Mata Yatra, will remain suspended on Saturday due to persistent heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration had suspended the pilgrimages as a precaution following the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of continued inclement weather. The restrictions remain in place until conditions improve.
Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has remained closed for the third consecutive day after heavy rain triggered landslides and falling rocks at multiple locations. Fresh landslides in Ramban and Udhampur districts have blocked the highway with debris, leaving several vehicles stranded, particularly in the Ramban area.
Authorities have deployed road clearance teams and heavy machinery to remove debris and restore traffic movement. The clearance operation is being carried out on a war footing.
Officials have advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel until the weather improves and the highway is declared safe. Travelers have also been urged to check official traffic advisories before planning any journey on NH-44.
Heavy rainfall, continuing for the seventh consecutive day, has pushed several rivers in the Kashmir Valley close to danger levels. The Jhelum River is flowing near the danger mark at several locations, while the Tawi, Chenab, Lidder, Sangam, and other rivers and streams are also running at elevated levels, raising concerns of flooding.
According to the IMD, moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue over parts of the Jammu region and south Kashmir during the day, while light rain is expected in central and north Kashmir. Weather conditions are, however, expected to improve across most areas by late afternoon.
