The Eastern Voice Correspondent
(Preet Rajvansh)

Srinagar. The naturally formed ice Shivling at the Amarnath Cave has almost completely melted within the first week of the 2026 Amarnath Yatra, sparking concern among devotees and environmental experts. The annual pilgrimage began on July 3, but by July 7, the sacred ice formation had reportedly shrunk by nearly 99 per cent, much earlier than expected.
Experts say the size and lifespan of the naturally occurring ice stalagmite depend on several environmental factors, including winter snowfall, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and airflow inside the cave. This year, above-normal temperatures, reduced snowfall, and changing weather patterns are believed to have accelerated the melting process, although no single cause has been officially confirmed.
The early disappearance of the ice Shivling has renewed discussions on the impact of climate change in the Himalayan region. Political leaders and environmentalists have called for sustainable tourism practices and long-term conservation measures to protect the fragile ecosystem surrounding the shrine.
Despite the melting of the ice formation, the 57-day Amarnath Yatra continues as scheduled under tight security, with thousands of pilgrims continuing to visit the holy cave each day.