NEWS

Landslides stop Amarnath Yatra

By Onkar Singh in New Delhi
July 07, 2005

The Amarnath Yatra from Jammu has been stopped due to heavy landslides at several places on the Srinagar-Jammu route.

According to the official sources, due to unprecedented rains, there were at least six landslides along the 300-kilometre route from Jammu to Srinagar.

"Efforts are being made to clear the road as early as possible. The Yatra from Jammu had begun only on July 6. Over 2 lakh pilgrims who use the Jammu route are stuck," said a Jammu and Kashmir state government official.

The Yatra from Baltal, however, continues as scheduled.

Rains have played havoc in the state and work at the controversial Baglihar power project was affected as landslides blocked a tunnel and the Chenab was flowing over the dam.

In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, the water level in the Beas River has been rising for last 24 hours.

The water level had threatened National Highway 21. Kullu airport faces threat it may have to be closed due to threat of flash floods. People living along the embankments have already been evacuated.

Kullu region has been experiencing heavy rains for last two days.

Onkar Singh in New Delhi

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email