Katra, Aug. 25 -- The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has temporarily closed the Himkoti track from Adhkuwari to Bhawan on Sunday night in view of inclement weather conditions in the region.

Authorities confirmed that while the Himkoti route has been shut for pilgrim movement, the Adhkuwari-Sanjhichhat (old track) will remain open to facilitate safe passage for devotees heading towards the holy shrine.

The precautionary step comes only weeks after a tragic incident near Banganga, where a landslide killed one pilgrim and left several others injured on the Vaishno Devi track. With heavy rains lashing parts of Jammu region, shrine authorities and security forces are maintaining heightened vigil to prevent any untoward incident.

Offici...