In the wake of recent inclement weather in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar and the consequent flood warnings in the region, Mission has issued an advisory for the prospective pilgrims who are heading to the Amarnath cave shrine.
The weather conditions along the Nepalganj-Simikot-Hilsa route of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (through Nepal) have worsened over a week’s time. This has further left the pilgrims stranding.
Mission has issued the following advisory for the pilgrims-
1. All prospective pilgrims/state governments/tour agencies should apprise themselves with Ministry’s standing advisory at https://www.mea.gov.in/advisories-details.htm?25/Advisory+for+Kailash+Mansarovar+Yatra+via+Nepal and implement it in letter and spirit
2. All prospective pilgrims should note that Simikot and Hilsa in Nepal are extremely infrastructure lean places lacking in medical facilities/comfortable boarding and lodging facilities. Thus, they should get themselves medically examined before starting the Yatra as well as carry medicine for up to one months
3. All prospective pilgrims should further note that Simikot and Hilsa are connected to rest of the world only by air (small aircraft/helicopters). There is no other way of travelling in and out of these places. Further, these small aircraft/helicopters can operate only when the weather is absolutely clear in these places and their adjoining areas, as the terrain and route are extremely dangerous. Thus in case of poor weather, there are high chances of pilgrims getting stranded in various legs of Yatra.
The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall in Poonch and Rajouri areas and has also issued flood warnings.
The Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir was halted today for the consecutive second day due to heavy rains.
The yatra has been suspended along both Baltal and Pahalgam routes after heavy rains lashed Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar.
Flash flood followed by the landslide had killed at least five pilgrims en route to the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir valley on Tuesday.
Earlier six people including three pilgrims who were on their way to the Amarnath shrine, a BSF soldier, one palanquin carrier and one Yatra volunteer had also died.
