JAMMU: District authorities in J&K’s Doda and Kishtwar on Wednesday ordered the closure of all govt and private schools in view of inclement weather. Meanwhile, the Amarnath pilgrimage continued only on the Baltal route, with a group of 2,051 devotees embarking on the yatra from Jammu in a convoy of 82 vehicles under elaborate security arrangements.

The Vaishno Devi yatra also continued, but only on the traditional track via Ardhkuwari.Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained open for traffic.

Kishtwar officials said the school closure notice by the district chief education officer followed instructions from the deputy commissioner in the wake of prevailing rough weather and safety concerns over slippery roads and shooting stones. “Schools located within city limits from Malipeth to Cherhar have been exempted from the closure order and will remain open as usual,” the order stated, adding that official work in educational institutions, wherever applicable, should not be affected.In a separate notice, the Doda administration ordered the closure of all govt and private schools in the district on July 29.Both orders clarified that online classes would continue as per the prescribed schedule.IMD predicted light to moderate rain and thundershowers across J&K over the next several days, with the possibility of heavy to torrential rainfall in parts of Jammu division. The department warned that heavy rain could trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations between July 29 and Aug 2.

All major pilgrimages in J&K were suspended on July 19 as a precautionary measure. The Amarnath yatra resumed on July 25 only on the Baltal track. The same day, the Vaishno Devi yatra was partially opened, with devotees allowed to travel only on the traditional route via Ardhkuwari. Currently, the Machhail Mata, Sarthal Mata, and Shiv Khori yatras remain suspended.