Amarnath Yatra Faces Challenges: Heatwave Hastens Shiva Lingam Melt

The Amarnath Yatra is facing significant challenges due to the extreme heat in Kashmir, causing the Shiva Lingam to melt rapidly. This year, the sacred ice formation has deteriorated at an accelerated pace, with pilgrims reporting its near-complete melting just days into the pilgrimage. The early melting is a direct result of the severe heatwave impacting the region. While the Shiva Lingam has disappeared, over a lakh pilgrims have continued the journey, showing their strong devotion. The duration of the Lingam is decreasing year by year, and experts suggest a combination of factors, including shrinking glaciers, reduced rainfall, and increased temperatures, all worsened by the impact of climate change, are causing this phenomenon.