1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy

The 1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy refers to a catastrophic event that occurred during the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, India. On July 26, 1996, heavy rainfall triggered a massive landslide near the cave site, resulting in the deaths of at least 250 pilgrims. The disaster unfolded as thousands of devotees were traversing difficult terrain, exacerbated by the inclement weather. The Indian government and various rescue teams launched extensive operations to recover victims and assist survivors. The tragedy highlighted the inherent risks associated with the pilgrimage, leading to increased scrutiny over safety measures and emergency response protocols for future Yatras, as well as prompting discussions on the environmental impact of mass pilgrimages.