Jammu, July 30 -- Authorities on Wednesday ordered the closure of all government and private schools in Doda and Kishtwar district as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff even as heavy rains lashed the area. Acting on the directions of the district development commissioner, Doda, chief education officer (CEO) Doda ordered closure of all government and private schools across the district on July 29 as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and security of students and staff. A similar decision was also taken in the adjoining Kishtwar district. However, schools within Kishtwar city, from Malipeth to Cherhar remained open. On the other hand, the meteorological department (MeT) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu province till July 31. "Few spells of rain and thundershower at many places with heavy rain and brief but intense showers at few districts of Jammu province are likely till July 31," said a Met official. The strategic 250 km long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained open for traffic despite the ongoing rain. "NHAI has been restoring affected stretch at Dewal in Samroli area of Udhampur where movement of up and down traffic is being managed by the traffic police," said a police officer. Meanwhile, Thannamandi-Bafliaz Road in Rajouri district was damaged in overnight rains. "The road already had suffered extensive damage on July 19 and 20 and overnight rains caused further damage. The administration has started restoration work but it will take some time to repair the entire stretch," said an official. Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 2,051 pilgrims left Yatri Niwas base camp from Bhagwati Nagar here early Wednesday for the Baltal base camp to undertake the ongoing annual Amarnath Yatra.htc...